Java Database Connectivity (JDBC)

What is JDBC

JDBC is the industry-standard API for database-independent connectivity between the Java applications and Databases, using a SQL based interface. As with Java itself one of the main features of the JDBC API is its "Write Once, Run Anywhere" capability enabling applications to be move from one OS to another without the need for recompilation. JDBC consists of two key components:

• JDBC Driver Manager - application binds to this generic class which is then responsible for loading the requested JDBC Driver.
• JDBC Driver - dynamically loaded by the JDBC Driver manager for making connection to target Database.

JDBC Drivers are available in four different types ranging from Pure to Bridge construction:

• Type 4 - Direct-to-Database Pure Java Driver using database network protocol for driver communication with database from Java
• Type 3 - Pure Java Driver for Database Middleware using a middleware vendor''s protocol-layer for connectivity to the Database.
• Type 2 - A native API partly Java technology-enabled driver converting JDBC calls into the Database vendor''s CLI calls for communication with the database.
• Type 1 - JDBC-ODBC Bridge using an existing ODBC Driver for connecting to remote databases.

Why use JDBC

JDBC enables maximum interoperability between the application and database as a single application can access any JDBC-enabled database by simply being configured to use its JDBC driver, and likewise a JDBC enabled application can access a given Database using its JDBC driver. JDBC also has the added advantage of being able to run cross platform with the need for recompilation, the so-called "Write Once, Run Anywhere" capability.