Database usage in a Java program

Question

I have found out, from multiple sources, that object serialization is primarily for storing objects so that they could be sent across a network, to be remade. It even has to be tested: http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/library/j-serialtest/index.html . As an alternative, I have decided to use relational databases. The only problem is, if I rely on relational databases to store data, must I ask any users of my program to install or configure anything? //Forgive me: I have no prior experience with databases.

Also, I have heard of JavaDB (my Java textbook is calling it a version of Apache Derby). Is it a collection of relational database management systems (RDBMSs)? If the answer is "yes", what RDBMSs are included with JavaDB?

Answer 1

Derby is one of many relational databases available to you. Others are Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Hypersonic SQL.

Some are open source (MySQL, PostgreSQL, Hypersonic SQL, SQL Lite); others require a license (Oracle, SQL Server).

Some require installation (MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server); others do not (SQL Lite, Derby, Hypersonic SQL).

Java interacts with all databases using JDBC. You get a JAR of classes from the vendor that implement the interfaces in the java.sql package for that particular database.

Answer 2

Apache Derby is, according to wikipedia.

a full-functioned relational embedded database-engine, supporting JDBC and SQL as programming APIs. It uses IBM DB2 SQL syntax.

What I think you're thinking of is JDBC, a vendor independent way to access databases from within Java.

Answer 3

I lot depends on what it is you want to achieve with the database. If the database is only ever going to be connected to by the user locally (on there machine), then you may prefer a single user database system.

You can then included the database engine as part of your general deployment as most don't need to be "installed" or "configured" and are simply started by using a specialized JDBC connection.

Take a look at

• HyperSQL
• H2

Which are both pure Java databases that support the concept of a single user access, but can be configured as standalone database severs if you wish...