JDBC DATA CONNECTIVITY RESOURCES

JDBC Frequently Asked Questions 

• What Is JDBC?
• How Does JDBC Work?
• Why Do We Need JDBC?
• Types of JDBC Drivers
• What's the Difference Between DataDirect's Implementation of JDBC and Other Alternatives?
• Which Version of the JDBC Specification Does DataDirect Technologies Support?
• What Features of JDBC 3.0 Are Most Important?
• JDBC Performance
• JDBC Diagnostics
• Important Features of DataDirect Technologies' JDBC Drivers

What Is JDBC?

JDBC™ is an API developed by Sun Microsystems that provides a standard way to access data using the Java™ programming language. Using JDBC, an application can access a variety of databases and run on any platform with a Java Virtual Machine. It isn't necessary to write separate applications to access different database systems (Oracle and Sybase, for example). Using JDBC allows you to write one application that can send SQL statements to different database systems. SQL is the standard language for accessing relational databases.

The JDBC API defines a set of Java interfaces that encapsulate major database functionality, such as running queries, processing results, and determining configuration information. Because JDBC applications are written in Java, applications work on any platform.

How Does JDBC Work?

Simply, JDBC makes it possible to do the following things within a Java application:

• Establish a connection with a data source
• Send queries and update statements to the data source
• Process the results
  
  

The following figure shows the components of the JDBC model.

The Java application calls JDBC classes and interfaces to submit SQL statements and retrieve results.

The JDBC API is implemented through the JDBC driver. The JDBC Driver is a set of classes that implement the JDBC interfaces to process JDBC calls and return result sets to a Java application. The database (or data store) stores the data retrieved by the application using the JDBC Driver.

The main objects of the JDBC API include:

• A DataSource object is used to establish connections. Although the Driver Manager can also be used to establish a connection, connecting through a DataSource object is the preferred method.
• A Connection object controls the connection to the database. An application can alter the behavior of a connection by invoking the methods associated with this object. An application uses the connection object to create statements.
• Statement, PreparedStatement, and CallableStatement objects are used for executing SQL statements. A PreparedStatement object is used when an application plans to reuse a statement multiple times. The application prepares the SQL it plans to use. Once prepared, the application can specify values for parameters in the prepared SQL statement. The statement can be executed multiple times with different parameter values specified for each execution. A CallableStatement is used to call stored procedures that return values. The CallableStatement has methods for retrieving the return values of the stored procedure.
• A ResultSet object contains the results of a query. A ResultSet is returned to an application when a SQL query is executed by a statement object. The ResultSet object provides methods for iterating through the results of the query.
  
  

For an excellent introduction to JDBC, take a look at Chapter 2 of "Java Enterprise in a Nutshell - An Introduction to JDBC" by Jim Farley, William Crawford, and David Flanagan (Second Edition April 2002) available online here.

Why Do We Need JDBC?

Why can't application developers use ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) on the Java platform? After all, it's an established standard API for database access. You can use ODBC; however, ODBC isn't appropriate for direct use from the Java programming language because it uses a C interface. The JDBC API was modeled after ODBC, but, because JDBC is a Java API, it offers a natural Java interface for working with SQL. JDBC is needed to provide a "pure Java" solution for application development.

Types of JDBC Drivers

Today, there are four types of JDBC drivers in use:

• Type 1: JDBC-ODBC bridge
• Type 2: partial Java driver
• Type 3: pure Java driver for database middleware
• Type 4: pure Java driver for direct-to-database
  
  

For most applications, the best choice is a pure Java driver, either Type 3 or Type 4. Type 4 drivers (such as DataDirect Connect for JDBC drivers) are the most common and are designed for a particular vendor's database. In contrast, a Type 3 driver is a single JDBC driver used to access a middleware server, which, in turn, makes the relevant calls to the database. A good example of Type 3 JDBC driver is the DataDirect SequeLink for JDBC driver. Type 1 drivers are used for testing JDBC applications against an ODBC data source. Type 2 drivers require a native database API to be used. Both Type 1 and Type 2 mix a Java-based API with another API.

The following figure shows a side-by-side comparison of the implementation of each JDBC driver type. All four implementations show a Java application or applet using the JDBC API to communicate through the JDBC Driver Manager with a specific JDBC driver.

Click Graphic for a full-sized image

See the JDBC Overview page on the Sun Microsystems web site for details about the four types of JDBC drivers.

What's the Difference Between DataDirect's Implementation of JDBC and Other Alternatives?

DataDirect Technologies' JDBC drivers provide the following advantages over other JDBC drivers:

• The only Type 4, database-independent JDBC driver for all major databases - Oracle, DB2, Microsoft SQL Server, Sybase, and Informix.
• 100% database-independent - no vendor-specific proprietary extensions.
• The only Type 4 JDBC driver that supports Windows authentication for Microsoft SQL Server with an implementation that does not require loading external shared libraries (DLLs on Windows); DataDirect has a patent pending on this new exciting technology.
• The only JDBC driver to offer distributed transaction support across all major databases.
• Includes a JDBC Software Developer's Kit (SDK) that provides tools for troubleshooting and debugging your JDBC applications.
• Certified under Sun Microsystems' J2EE Compatibility Test Suite (CTS).
• Best performance and scalability in the market as measured by SPECjAppServer2002.
• Award-winning 24x7 technical support to ensure rapid response to customer concerns (see the SupportLink website for more information).
• DataDirect Technologies works closely with Oracle, IBM, Microsoft, Sybase, and other database vendors. This allows DataDirect Technologies early access to new database versions, insight into product and architectural direction, and to be the first to market with support for new database releases.

Which Version of the JDBC Specification Does DataDirect Technologies Support?

DataDirect Technologies' JDBC products support the current version of the JDBC specification, JDBC 3.0. You can download the JDBC 3.0 specification from the Sun Microsystems website. DataDirect Technologies also is the only third-party data connectivity vendor to sit on the JDBC Expert Panel, the group that defines the future of the JDBC specification. DataDirect has plans to support the JDBC 4.0 specification in the future. Proposals for the 4.0 specification are now available.

What Features of JDBC 3.0 Are Most Important?

Following are some of the features that are part of the JDBC 3.0 specification:

• Retrieval of auto-generated keys
• Blob/Clob Updates
• Multiple open result sets
• Transactional Savepoints
• Statement Pooling
  
  

For an explanation of these and other JDBC 3.0 features, see Important Features in JDBC 3.0.

JDBC Performance

See Designing Performance-Optimized JDBC Applications for guidelines that will help you improve your JDBC application performance, including information about:

• Using DatabaseMetaData methods appropriately
• Retrieving only required data
• Selecting functions that optimize performance
• Managing connections and updates

JDBC Diagnostics

The JDBC API lets you see warnings and exceptions generated by the database and by the JDBC driver. A SQLException object contains a description of the error, the X/Open SQLState, and the driver vendor's error code number. To see exceptions, you can use a catch block to print them.

Warnings are a subclass of SQLException that deal with database access warnings. Warnings do not stop the execution of an application; they simply alert the user that something did not happen as planned, such as a privilege that was not revoked as requested. Warnings can be reported on a Connection object, a Statement object (including PreparedStatement and CallableStatement objects), and a ResultSet object. Warnings can be retrieved on these objects using the getWarnings method.

DataDirect Technologies makes it easy to debug and troubleshoot your JDBC applications by offering a JDBC Software Developer's Kit (SDK) that provides the following tools:

• DataDirect Test for JDBC is a graphical, menu-driven component that helps developers debug JDBC applications. It works by displaying the results of all JDBC function calls with sample Java JDBC code (including comments). DataDirect Test makes troubleshooting easy, shortening the application development cycle.
• DataDirect Spy for JDBC traces JDBC calls in running applications. This utility passes calls issued by an application to the underlying DataDirect Technologies' JDBC driver and logs detailed information about those calls. The results passed back from the database to the application are also logged. DataDirect Spy differs from DataDirect Test in that DataDirect Spy is used with running applications to trace the JDBC calls made by that application, while DataDirect Test allows a developer to test their applications and experiment with the JDBC API during development.
  
  

These tools are only available with DataDirect Technologies' JDBC drivers.

Important Features of DataDirect Technologies' JDBC Drivers

General - All Drivers

• DataDirect has a long-standing strategic technology relationship with Sun Microsystems. We helped to build the JDBC standard and continue to be involved in its evolution.
• Four out of five of the major application server vendors embed DataDirect JDBC drivers in their application server products.
• DataDirect Technologies is the only third-party data connectivity vendor to sit on the JDBC Expert Panel, the group that defines the future of the JDBC specification.
• JDBC 3.0-compliant, providing comprehensive support for JDBC 3.0 features, including transactional savepoints, Blob/Clob updates, and the retrieval of auto-generated keys.
• DataDirect is the only third-party data connectivity vendor to be a J2EE licensee.
• DataDirect is committed to quality that is assured by rigorous product testing and uses the largest in-house JDBC test suite in the industry.
• DataDirect offers award-winning 24x7 technical support.
  
  

DB2

• Only Type 4 JDBC solution that supports all major versions of DB2 using a single driver.
• Only JDBC driver to offer distributed transaction support across all major databases, including DB2.
• High performance with more concurrent users than any other DB2 driver in the market as measured by the SPECjAppServer2002 and ECPerf benchmarks.
• J2EE compatible, certified under Sun Microsystems' J2EE Compatibility Test Suite (CTS).
• Utilizes the batch functionality provided by DB2 when performing batch operations, which reduces expensive network roundtrips between the JDBC driver and the database.
• Provides seamless use of DB2 SQL batch commands.
• Works with any Java Runtime of 1.2 or higher.
  
  

Informix

• Only Type 4 JDBC solution that supports all major versions of Informix using a single driver.
• Only JDBC driver to offer distributed transaction support across all major databases, including Informix.
• Supports extended functionality for high-end applications, including support for all scrollable cursor types, unrestricted updateable result sets, savepoints, prepared statement pooling, and multiple open result sets.
• Clear performance winner for read-intensive applications.
• Supports sensitive scrollable result sets, as well as insensitive and forward only result sets.
• Supports the BLOB and CLOB data types fully and reliably.
• Supports the ability to return multiple result sets from a stored procedure.
  
  

Oracle

• Only Type 4 JDBC solution that supports all major versions of Oracle using a single driver.
• Only JDBC driver to offer distributed transaction support across all major databases, including Oracle.
• Clear performance winner for most applications, especially those that use stored procedures, batch queries, bulk loading of data, and are network-intensive.
• SPECjAppServer2002 leader in scalability.
• Fastest Oracle driver in the market when retrieving results from SELECT statements.
• J2EE compatible, certified under Sun Microsystems' J2EE Compatibility Test Suite (CTS).
• Exposes Oracle features inside the JDBC standard and not through proprietary extensions.
  
  

SQL Server

• Only Type 4 JDBC solution that supports all major versions of SQL Server using a single driver.
• Only JDBC driver to offer distributed transaction support across all major databases, including SQL Server.
• Only Type 4 JDBC driver that supports Windows authentication for Microsoft SQL Server with an implementation that does not require loading external shared libraries (DLLs on Windows); DataDirect has a patent pending on this new exciting technology.
• Clear performance winner for most applications, especially those that use connection pooling and batch query optimizations.
• J2EE compatible, certified under Sun Microsystems' J2EE Compatibility Test Suite (CTS).
• Reliable - it was built in conjunction with the Microsoft SQL Server development team and was not reverse engineered.
• Provides extended functionality support for world-wide organizations - all SQL Server internationalization features are exposed in an unrestricted manner.
• SPECjAppServer2002 leader in scalability.
• Fully supports connecting to named instances of SQL Server.
  
  

Sybase

• Only Type 4 JDBC solution that supports all major versions of Sybase using a single driver.
• Only JDBC driver to offer distributed transaction support across all major databases, including Sybase.
• Provides extended functionality for high-end applications by supporting all scrollable cursors types, unrestricted updateable result sets, LOB interfaces, savepoints, prepared statement pooling, and multiple open result sets.
• Clear performance winner for most applications, especially those that use bulk operations, batch queries, and stored procedure arrays.
• J2EE compatible, certified under Sun Microsystems' J2EE Certification Test Suite (CTS).

JDBC Definitions

Isolation Level
An isolation level represents a particular locking strategy employed in the database system to improve data consistency.

The higher the isolation level number, the more complex the locking strategy behind it. The isolation level provided by the database determines how a transaction handles data consistency.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) defines four isolation levels:

• Read uncommitted (0)
  
• Read committed (1)
  
• Repeatable read (2)
  
• Serializable (3)
  
  

J2EE
J2EE (Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition) technology and its component-based model simplify enterprise development and deployment. The J2EE platform manages the infrastructure and supports the Web services to enable development of secure, robust and interoperable business applications.

JAXP
The Java API for XML-based RPC (JAX-RPC) enables Java technology developers to develop SOAP-based interoperable and portable web services. JAX-RPC provides the core API for developing and deploying web services on the Java platform. JAX-RPC is a required part of the J2EE 1.4 platform. JAX-RPC web services can also be developed and deployed on J2EE 1.3 containers and Servlet container.

JDOM (JSR-102)
JDOM (Java Document Object Model) is a Java API for processing XML documents. JDOM provides a way to represent XML documents for easy and efficient reading, manipulation, and writing. It has a straightforward API, is lightweight and fast, and is optimized for the Java programmer. It's an alternative to DOM and SAX, although it integrates well with both DOM and SAX.

JNDI
The Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI) is a standard extension to the Java platform, providing Java technology-enabled applications with a unified interface to multiple naming and directory services in the enterprise. As part of the Java Enterprise API set, JNDI enables seamless connectivity to heterogeneous enterprise naming and directory services. Developers can now build powerful and portable directory-enabled applications using this industry standard.

JTA
JTA (Java Transaction API) specifies standard Java interfaces between a transaction manager and the parties involved in a distributed transaction system: the resource manager, the application server, and the transactional applications.

Locking Level
Locking is a database operation that restricts a user from accessing a table or record. Locking is used in situations where more than one user might try to use the same table at the same time. By locking the table or record, the system ensures that only one user at a time can affect the data.

SOAP
SOAP is a lightweight protocol for exchange of information in a decentralized, distributed environment. It is an XML based protocol that consists of three parts: an envelope that defines a framework for describing what is in a message and how to process it, a set of encoding rules for expressing instances of application-defined datatypes, and a convention for representing remote procedure calls and responses.

UDDI
The Universal Description, Discovery and Integration (UDDI) project is a sweeping industry initiative. The project creates a platform-independent, open framework for describing services, discovering businesses, and integrating business services using the Internet, as well as an operational registry that is available today.

UDDI is the first truly cross-industry effort driven by all major platform and software providers, as well as marketplace operators and e-business leaders. These technology and business pioneers are acting as the initial catalysts to quickly develop UDDI and related technologies.

The UDDI project takes advantage of WorldWide Web Consortium (W3C) and Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standards such as Extensible Markup Language (XML), and HTTP and Domain Name System (DNS) protocols. Additionally, cross platform programming features are addressed by adopting early versions of the proposed Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) known as XML Protocol messaging specifications found at the W3C Web site. The UDDI protocol is the building block that will enable businesses to quickly, easily and dynamically find and transact with one another using their preferred applications.

Web Services
A Web Service offers a specific business function to applications provided by another application via standard Internet protocols (XML, SOAP, WSDL, UDDI). The existence and location can be dynamically discovered by consuming applications and can usually be dynamically requested without prearranged binding. Web services represent an environment in which developers use components with well defined units of business logic and data access that can be assembled, at run time, to enable a business process.

Web Service Definition Language (WSDL)
WSDL is an XML format for describing network services as a set of endpoints operating on messages containing either document-oriented or procedure-oriented information. The operations and messages are described abstractly, and then bound to a concrete network protocol and message format to define an endpoint. Related concrete endpoints are combined into abstract endpoints (services).

JDBC Tutorials

Select One of these Popular JDBC Topics: 

 Achieving Optimal Security

Enterprise Security Features in DataDirect Connect — Secure Architecture, Kerberos, and SSL
Learn more about the security features in the DataDirect Connect product line and read the independent security report by The Internet Security Advisors Group (ISAG), an international information security firm specializing in security assessment. The report also provides important information if you're looking to implement Single Sign-on (SSO) or data encryption.

Enabling Single Sign-On Using DataDirect Connect for JDBC Integrated Authentication
This whitepaper explains how DataDirect Connect for JDBC can be used to enable Single Sign-on, which results in stronger application security, improved end-user usability, and lower IT management costs. It addresses the industry drivers (regulatory compliance, highly public corporate malfeasance, and internet-based collaboration) that are motivating organizations to bolster their security infrastructure.

Windows Authentication on Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server offers two types of security authentication: SQL Server Authentication and Windows Authentication. Windows Authentication is also referred to as "Windows Integrated Security" or a "trusted connection" because it relies on the user being authenticated, or "trusted," by the operating system. It is the authentication mode recommended by Microsoft. This article provides an overview of Windows Authentication and the configuration required to use Windows Authentication with DataDirect Connect for JDBC drivers.

 Distributed Transaction Support

Understanding JTA - the Java Transaction API
The Java Transaction API allows applications to perform distributed transactions, that is, transactions that access and update data on two or more networked computer resources. The Java Transaction API specifies standard Java interfaces between a transaction manager and the parties involved in a distributed transaction system: the application, the application server, and the resource manager that controls access to the shared resources affected by the transactions. This paper provides an overview of that process and how the DataDirect Connect for JDBC drivers relate to it.

 Important Announcements

Support for 2007 Daylight Saving Time (DST) in JDBC products
This document explains the support provided by Connect for JDBC for the Daylight Saving Time (DST) change implemented by the United States government in 2007.

Support for 2007 Daylight Saving Time (DST) Change in DataDirect SequeLink
DataDirect performs ongoing testing to ensure that all SequeLink driver configurations work properly for all DST transitions. This document explains the support provided by Connect for JDBC for the DST change implemented by the US government in 2007.

 Interoperability

Achieving Database Interoperability through SQL Leveling Across Data Access APIs
Open data access standards, such as ODBC, JDBC and ADO.NET have given developers a means of achieving application portability between databases. However, there are still instances where the SQL standard is not portable between databases. DataDirect Technologies delivers this interoperability between databases and across APIs through SQL Leveling.

Using DataDirect JDBC Drivers with Hibernate
This article gives you all the information you need to use DataDirect JDBC drivers with Hibernate, which is an open source project that provides an object-relational mapping solution for Java applications. (Includes sample code to download.)

Using Enterprise JavaBeans 3.0 and the Java Persistence API with JBoss and DataDirect Connect for JDBC 
This article gives you all the information you need to use DataDirect JDBC drivers with these Java technologies.

Using DataDirect Connect for JDBC with Oracle RAC
Oracle RAC provides applications with many advantages such as connection failover and load balancing. This article explains how you can take advantage of these Oracle RAC features using the DataDirect Connect for JDBC Oracle driver.

Boost Your Oracle WebSphere Performance
Overcome application issues relating to Oracle-WebSphere applications. Why hinder your investment by utilizing a sub-optimal Oracle JDBC driver? The Oracle Thin JDBC driver (from Oracle) is known to suffer from reliability and performance shortcomings. These WebSphere performance problems manifest themselves in application and performance failures, resulting in application downtime and user satisfaction issues.

Using DataDirect Connect for JDBC Drivers with JBoss
This article explains the steps required to use the DataDirect Connect for JDBC drivers with the JBoss Application Server.

Using DataDirect Connect for JDBC Drivers with Tomcat
This article explains the steps required to use DataDirect Connect for JDBC drivers with the Tomcat JSP/Servlet engine.

Using DataDirect Connect for JDBC Drivers with the Sun Java System Application Server
This article explains the steps required to use the DataDirect Connect for JDBC drivers with the Sun Java System Application Server, including installing the drivers, creating and validating a JDBC Connection Pool, creating a JDBC Resource, generating a JSP test page and deploying and running the test application.

Using DataDirect Connect for JDBC Drivers with WebLogic 8.1
This document explains the steps required to use the DataDirect Connect for JDBC drivers with the WebLogic Application Server.

Using DataDirect Connect for JDBC Resource Adapters
J2EE Connector Architecture resource adapters are used by application servers to connect to Enterprise Information Systems (EISs), such as mainframe transaction processing systems, database systems, or legacy applications not written in the Java programming language. The resource adapter communicates with the server to provide the underlying transaction, security, and connection pooling mechanisms. DataDirect Connect for JDBC provides resource adapters as an installable option.

 JDBC Specification Support

Important New Features in JDBC 3.0
The JDBC 3.0 specification shipped as part of the J2SE 1.4 release early this year. The key goals of the JDBC Expert Panel were to align with the most important features of SQL99, to combine all of the previous JDBC specifications into a single document, to provide a standard way to take advantage of native DBMS functionality, and to improve scalability. The 3.0 specification contains a number of useful new features for JDBC users.

 Open Source Considerations

Why Open Source Database Drivers Are Not Viable
This article explains the risks associated with the use of an open source database driver. It also distinguishes between the approach taken by a commercially supported open source offering (e.g., RedHat) vs. the fledgling effort of a project-based open source database driver.

Using DataDirect Connect for JDBC Drivers with JBoss
This article explains the steps required to use the DataDirect Connect for JDBC drivers with the JBoss Application Server.

Using DataDirect Connect for JDBC Drivers with Tomcat
This article explains the steps required to use DataDirect Connect for JDBC drivers with the Tomcat JSP/Servlet engine.

 Optimizing Performance

Designing Performance-Optimized JDBC Applications
Covers the major factors in coding for JDBC application performance: connecting to the database, getting metadata, executing statements, inserting data, reading data, and committing changes.

Boost Your Oracle WebSphere Performance
Overcome application issues relating to Oracle-WebSphere applications. Why hinder your investment by utilizing a sub-optimal Oracle JDBC driver? The Oracle Thin JDBC driver (from Oracle) is known to suffer from reliability and performance shortcomings. These WebSphere performance problems manifest themselves in application and performance failures, resulting in application downtime and user satisfaction issues.

JDBC Connection Pooling
Establishing JDBC connections is resource-expensive, especially in a middle-tier server environment. JDBC connection pooling provides a significant improvement on performance by reusing connections rather than creating a new connection for each connection request, without requiring changes in your JDBC application code.

 Testing and Debugging JDBC Applications

Testing and Debugging JDBC Applications
DataDirect Test is a free tool included with our JDBC drivers for debugging JDBC applications. It can also help you learn the JDBC API. It works by displaying the results of all JDBC function calls with sample Java JDBC code (including comments).

JDBC Whitepapers

Data Connectivity whitepapers are not always separated out by specific product line. Below is a list of the most recent Data Connectivity whitepapers. To view all Data Connectivity whitepapers, please visit our Resource Library.

Database Middleware: Struggling with Performance?
Read this white paper to learn how to influence performance and how to optimize efficiency for data requests and responses.

Accelerating Progress Apama with Type 5 JDBC Drivers
This whitepaper walks through the steps necessary to configure Progress Apama to use the Type 5 Progress DataDirect Connect for JDBC drivers.

A Research Note from Nucleus Research: ISVs Save with DataDirect Drivers
DataDirect's investment in innovation in data connectivity enables ISVs
to reduce the cost, risk, and complexity of delivering and supporting applications for customers and enables them to focus their efforts where they can be most effective.

Service-Oriented Data Access: Building Interoperable, Robust & Reusable Data Services
In this white paper, Jason Bloomberg explains the role of data in a SOA, the data issues you face when attempting to layer a service-oriented approach on top of existing data sources, how to solve data integration challenges and address potential data access pitfalls, and how to architect a data services layer to reap the full benefits of SOA.

Data Access Middleware Security Simplifies Business Process Applications
Ira Winkler, founder of ISAG and well-known security expert, wrote the report, which documents his assessment and establishes the need for security features as an integral part of database drivers and providers. The report also provides important information if you're looking to implement Single Sign-on (SSO) or data encryption.

Vendor Selection Criteria - An Application Architect's Guide
This guide details the various database connectivity options that are available and provides information about the factors that influence the selection of the option that is best for your critical system.

Nucleus Research: ROI Evaluation Report of Data Connectivity Products
This report provides case studies and detailed examples of the economic and technical benefits from addressing data connectivity requirements at design time.

Database Connectivity for Critical Business Systems: An Application Architect's Guide
This paper discusses the technical benefits you should look for in database connectivity components, and the financial and business implications of your database connectivity choice.

What You Don't Know About Data Connectivity CAN Hurt You
This paper provides an overview of data connectivity, details its effect on application quality, and explores various alternative solutions.

JDBC Webinars

Data Connectivity webinars are not always separated out by specific product line. Below is a list of the most recent Data Connectivity Webinars. To view all Data Connectivity webinars, please visit our Resource Library.

"These Go to 11": Are Type 5 JDBC Drivers More Than Just Type 4 + 1?
May 5, 2010
Whether you recognize the title of this Webinar from the movie, This is Spinal Tap—or you've yet to see the movie—one thing is for sure: It's vital to attend our eye-opening Webinar that challenges your assumptions about the role of JDBC and provides new insights about data access in Java.

Why Java Needs Type 5 JDBC Drivers
April 1, 2010
Whether you're new to data access in Java or are familiar with the pain associated with the limitations of Type 4 JDBC drivers, you will want to join us for this complementary Webinar featuring two JDBC experts, Jonathan Bruce and Jesse Davis. Together they will discuss and debate the need for a new type of JDBC driver – a Type 5 JDBC driver.

How Type 4 JDBC Drivers Limit Modern Java Environments
February 23, 2010
This webinar explains: What the limitations of most Type 4 JDBC drivers are; How these limitations impact modern data-driven Java application of all shapes and sizes; and How to determine if the Type 4 JDBC drivers you are using have these limitations.

Move Mountains without Sacrificing Performance
Bulk Load for Oracle,SQL Server, DB2 and Sybase
October 21, 2009
If your business has mountains of data that need to move into and out of Oracle, SQL Server, DB2, or Sybase, you may be stuck with an under performing approach and don't even know it. In this webinar, we will: Describe and illustrate the performance bottlenecks, technical pitfalls, and functional limitations of standard approaches; and demonstrate the best approach for moving large amounts of data as fast as possible.

Progress DataDirect Technology Briefing: Considerations for Maximum Performance
As you consider data access from different programming frameworks and languages, you need to consider many performance factors. learn how you can avoid some of the common pitfalls before you start your next project. Join us for an overview of data access in different environments and learn how you can avoid some of the common pitfalls before you start your next project.

High Availability Isn't Good Enough: Enhancing Application Architecture for Oracle, SQL Server, DB2 and Sybase for ISVs
May 28, 2009
In this webinar, we will explore the challenges of designing applications and complex systems for high availability. We will also show how to increase the uptime of your environment by having smarter data access components while lowering your IT costs.

Architectural Considerations for Building High Performance Database Applications
August 26, 2009
Join Rob Steward, VP of R&D, as he discusses the data architecture considerations for various technology scenarios such as Web–based apps, server-based apps, SOA, event–based applications and more.

Real-Time Data Virtualization: The New Era of Data Consumption 
June 30, 2009
Next generation webinar that will introduce you to an Information-as-a-Service or Data Services strategy that virtualizes data access, integration, and consumption from multiple, fragmented data sources in real-time on behalf of multiple data consumers throughout the organization.

Building Data-Rich Service-Oriented Business Applications in a Heterogeneous Environment
January 24, 2008
Learn how to break the ties of traditional business intelligence and business activity monitoring solutions by exposing real-time, flexible access to heterogeneous data sources - providing far more value to the business than the static, summary data that older tools typically provide.

Designing your Data Architecture for Performance
August 1, 2007
This presentation introduces best practices for measuring and benchmarking the performance and scalability of your application's database access code. It discuss how you can create an environment that accurately simulates your production system, and how you can design tests that accurately measure performance and scalability.

Develop, Deploy and Execute SSIS packages for non-SQL Server Databases
July 12, 2007
To help you learn more about the specific technical features and benefits of Connect64 for SSIS, DataDirect is offering this free webinar which will include a demonstration of the product in use as well as a technical Q&A session.

Nucleus Research Webcast Replay: Achieving ROI through Data Connectivity
August 10, 2006
View a replay of the webcast by Nucleus Research, an ROI-focused technology research and advisory firm. Nucleus Research conducted in-depth interviews with DataDirect customers in leading organizations to gather ROI data on the costs and benefits associated with data connectivity technology.

JDBC Podcasts

Data Connectivity podcasts are not separated out by specific product line. Below is a list of the most recent Data Connectivity podcasts. To view all Data Connectivity podcasts, please visit our Resource Library.

Designing your Data Architecture for Performance
In this podcast, we discuss the considerations that should be included in your overall data architecture and relate that to different technology scenarios – client/server apps, server-based apps and SOA.

JDBC Additional Resources

JDBC Code Samples

The JDBC Code Samples includes a JDBC example for performance testing, making a JDBC connection to DB2, and more.

Developer Forums

This is a collaborative community where visitors share their experience with each other to get the most out of using DataDirect Connect for JDBC. If you need further assistance with this product, please visit our Support page, where you'll find an extensive knowledgebase, FAQs and much more.

More Useful Links

JDBC:

JDBC API page on java.sun.com
http://java.sun.com/products/jdbc/index.html

JDBC 3.0 Specification
http://java.sun.com/products/jdbc/download.html#corespec30

JDBC Data Access API - a FAQ
http://java.sun.com/products/jdbc/faq.html

JDBC Tutorial
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/jdbc/index.html

JDBC Technical Articles
http://developer.java.sun.com/developer/technicalArticles/Database/

JDBC Tutorial and Reference
For a complete resource that pairs a step-by-step tutorial with a comprehensive reference to all of the JDBC classes and interfaces, see "JDBC API Tutorial and Reference" by Maydene Fisher, Jon Ellis, and Jonathan Bruce (Third Edition, June 2003).

J2EE:

Java EE page on Sun's Developers' Site
http://java.sun.com/javaee/index.jsp

An Introduction to the Java EE 5 Platform
http://java.sun.com/developer/technicalArticles/J2EE/intro_ee5/

Authorized Java Licensees of J2EE
http://java.sun.com/j2ee/licensees.html

Miscellaneous:

JDOM
http://www.jdom.org

JAXP
http://java.sun.com/xml/jaxp/

JNDI (Java Naming and Directory Interface)
http://java.sun.com/jndi/

JTA (Java Transaction API)
http://java.sun.com/products/jta/index.html

IBM Developerworks
http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/

Unicode
The Unicode Consortium is responsible for defining the behavior and relationships between Unicode characters, and providing technical information to implementers. The Consortium cooperates with ISO in refining the specification and expanding the character set. It has liaison status "C" with ISO/IEC/JTC 1/SC2/WG2, which is responsible for ISO/IEC 10646.

UDDI
http://www.uddi.org/about.html