[size=22.0499992370605px]The JDBC API provides a simple way for Java applications to access data from one or more relational data sources. A Java developer can use the JDBC API to do the following things:

• [size=22.0499992370605px]Connect to a data source

• [size=22.0499992370605px]Execute complex SQL statements

• [size=22.0499992370605px]Persist changes to a data source

• [size=22.0499992370605px]Retrieve information from a data source

• [size=22.0499992370605px]Interact with legacy file systems

  
  

[size=22.0499992370605px]The JDBC API is based on the specification X/Open SQL Call Level Interface (CLI), which provides an application with an alternative method for accessing databases with embedded SQL calls. This specification has been accepted by the International Organization for Standards (ISO) as an international standard. ODBC is also based on this standard, and the JDBC API can interface with ODBC through JDBC-ODBC bridge drivers.

[size=22.0499992370605px]The JDBC API makes it relatively simple to send SQL statements to databases, and it doesn't matter what platform, what database vendor, or what combination of platform and vendor you choose to use. It's all done through one common API layer for all platforms. This is what makes Java the front-runner of programming languages in today's market. Although different vendors are creating their own drivers, they all must follow the JDBC 4.0 specification. With that said, all drivers fit into four categories