JDBC and JDBC drivers provided by Oracle

What is JDBC?

JDBC stands for Java Database Connectivity which is a kind of API that allows Java platform to access DBMS. This JDBC API consists of a set of interfaces and classes written in Java.

With this set of interfaces and classes, Java developers can establish connection with multiple databases and communicate directly to the database for performing various operations on them.

JDBC drivers provided by Oracle

Oracle provides 4 different types of JDBC drivers to use them under different installation and deployment scenarios. The 11.2.0 drivers can access Oracle 9.0.1 and higher versions. While all oracle JDBC drivers are almost similar, some features apply only to JDBC thin driver and some applies only to JDBC OCI drivers.

JDBC OCI (Oracle Call Interface):

With the help of Java Native Methods, this JDBC Type 2 driver calls entrypoints in an underlying C Library. This C library is called OCI which interact with an Oracle database. The JDBC OCI driver requires an Oracle client installation of the same version as the driver.

The use of native methods makes the JDBC OCI driver platform specific. Oracle supports Solaris, Windows, and many other platforms. This means that the Oracle JDBC OCI driver is not appropriate for Java applets, because it depends on a C library.

Starting from 10.1.0, the JDBC OCI driver is available for install with the OCI Instant Client feature, which does not require a complete Oracle client-installation. Please refer to Oracle Call Interface for more information.

JDBC Thin client-side driver

This is a JDBC Type 4 driver that uses Java to connect directly to Oracle. It implements Oracle’s SQL*Net Net8 and TTC adapters using its own TCP/IP based Java socket implementation. The JDBC Thin driver does not require Oracle client software to be installed, but does require the server to be configured with a TCP/IP listener.

Because it is written entirely in Java, this driver is platform-independent. The JDBC Thin driver can be downloaded into any browser as part of a Java application. (Note that if running in a client browser, that browser must allow the applet to open a Java socket connection back to the server.)

JDBC Thin server-side driver

This is another JDBC Type 4 driver that uses Java to connect directly to Oracle. This driver is used internally within the Oracle database. This driver offers the same functionality as the client-side JDBC Thin driver (above), but runs inside an Oracle database and is used to access remote databases.

Because it is written entirely in Java, this driver is platform-independent. There is no difference in your code between using the Thin driver from a client application or from inside a server. (Java Development)

JDBC Server-Side Internal driver

This is another JDBC Type 2 driver that uses Java native methods to call entrypoints in an underlying C library. That C library is part of the Oracle server process and communicates directly with the internal SQL engine inside calls and thus avoiding any network traffic. This allows your Java code running in the server to access the underlying database in the fastest possible manner. It can only be used to access the same database.

The use of native methods makes the JDBC Server-Side Internal driver platform specific. This server-side internal driver is fully consistent with the client-side drivers and supports the same features and extensions.

Information Source: JDBC Drivers Provided by ORACLE

Java developers and thumbs down to JCP

Many proficient Java Developers are seen keep themselves away from JCP (Java Community Process) and use to prefer implement their new ideas being part of smaller communities. A community which used to give quick answer in minutes once upon a time has now become so much complex and difficult to stay for Java developers.

Being specific we can say that JCP has actually lost its focus. They have no more image as a solution oriented community, but it has now become more like rubber stamps which sanction the specification entered by big players.

Has the Java API exploded?
Sue Spielman is president and senior consulting engineer of Switchback Software LLC and an author of several Java-related books. She says that there have been many Java Specification Requests (JSRs) proposed that have “exploded the Java API.”

“While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it certainly is a challenge to the Java developer who tries to stay up on the happenings in the JCP,” Spielman said. “This could very well be one of the reasons that in the eyes of the developers, the JCP is bloated and crawling at a snail’s pace. It has become impossible for anyone to keep up on all of the JSRs that are currently in proposal and various review stages.

“One suggestion I have is that JCP restructure so that there is a tiered level to appropriate JSRs. The main tier would be one that affects the most people in the Java community. The expert groups are composed of organizations and individuals that are concerned (or interested) in the JSR. The review process takes into account the public opinions, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the public opinion will make it into the final JSR.

Some credibility and respect might be regained by using a voting method of the public Java community (not just the expert group), similar to the process used in open source development. The timeframes can be limited, thereby speeding up the process, and the voting Java community will ultimately be deciding what is important for their Java development.

Programming scope for Java Developers

Java developers can create two types of programs applets and application. A Java Application Development is a program that runs on your computer under the operating system of that computer. This application is just like C or C++.

Always remember that when you create application java is not much different from any other computer language. But the main advantage of Java Application is that you can run these programs anywhere. And Java Developers can develop an application from low end to very high end uses. But the ability to create applets makes Java important. And applet is an application designed to be transmitted over the internet and executed by a java compatible web browser. An applet is a tiny Java program dynamically downloaded across the network just like a video-clip, image and sound file.

But the most important difference is that an applet is an intelligent program not just media file or animation. In other words you can say that applet is a program that can react to user input and dynamically change- not just run the same animation or sound over and over. Always remember that Java Developers can implement many ideas with this platform.

Learn tools which you can use for Java Application Development

If you are new to Java application development and you want to start a project and you do not know what tool to use and from where to start then it will be difficult for you.  You have to think of many things before you start your coding. And always remember that if you select wrong tools then it will be difficult for you to complete your project. This blog provides you information on tools which you can use in Java application development.

Generating code

In Java application development you have to do lot of code generation work. But some times it comes with the side effect on the flexibility of J2EE. So if you want to reduce the code work then you can do it by using XDoclet which is perfect for this task.

Version control

You must use version control system before you start coding. You can find many tools in the market related to version control such as subversion. Always remember that it is very useful tool for Java application development because it helps you to move items in the repository. Version control is very important tool for the success of Java application development.

In Java application development you can find a very unique feature that is in Java you do not need any specific development environment. It allows the developer to use any tool which they can find useful in increasing their efficiency and productivity. Always remember that if you stick to a particular tool then it can affect your efficiency especially those who are not familiar with the tools.

Power of Java Application Development

Java is one of the most demanding and flexible software development platforms. With the help of Java you can not only develop simple application development but you can also develop a software solution for animation, simulation, mobile phones and gaming.

Java application development developed Amazon kindle which is a device used for reading purpose. With the help of this device you can read magazines, books, news paper and blogs. But you can read the books and blogs in the direct sunlight also.

On Java platform BlueJ was also developed by the University of Kent to help the students who want to learn Java. You can also find java micro edition technology which helps to maximize your entertainment purpose.

Java brings platform where you can enjoy lot of games especially for those who love games. Java developers can also work on EA mobile to develop gaming applications. Always remember that if you have a mobile phone which are Java powdered then you can locate any location and can also access Google map to find local business.

Advantages of Java Development platform

Java is an Object oriented programming language. It was developed by sun Microsystems and released in year 1995. It is a high level programming language. Java is being used for both desktop and web application.

Java is very popular for web development for its unwilling security. Java has a unique run time environment and has its own compiler and interpreter. Java is very easy to use and therefore very easy to write.

Here are some of the advantages of Java application development:

You can write a Java program on one platform and run on another platform, which is its cross platform feature.
You can run Java programs on any web browser.
You can develop an application from very low end to very high end uses.

Today Java application development has emerged as a leading industry due to its simple development procedure and high security. Companies are ready to use Java due to its low cost and high time saving.

Now demand of java in market is so high that the java developers are also enhancing their skills for writing secure Java application. Java is also fully in the mobile application. We can fully be dependent on Java from a desktop application to the high end mobile application.