Getting a
Database
www.mysql.com
MySQL is an open-source (free) database that we can use in this class,
and you can use at home.
- But is MySQL a production ready database?
- MySQL focuses on performance, not functionality. For Java applications, MySQL is much faster than Microsoft SQL Server, and almost as fast as Oracle, which takes the #1 spot.
- However, it misses some functionality that many other databases have.
- Keep in mind, a commercial database package can cost tens of thousands of dollars and more, depending upon how many CPUs it uses.
- The answer: you be the judge. Many people do use MySQL for production applications, other just use it for testing. In an academic environment, it is ideal. Many small businesses and great small scale applications use it as well.
- An alternative is PostgreSQL, which is also open source. In general, PostgreSQL has more features than MySQL.
- Lightweight alternatives include Cloudscape, Pointbase, InstantDB. These are small databases with less features than a full scale database, but they are easy to set up.
- Go to www.mysql.com to download the MySQL database server and MySQL Connector/J.
- Be sure to pick Windows download for the database.
- Unzip the file, and click on the executable to set up.
- Connector/J is a Type IV driver.
- Download the zip file from a mirror.
- The zip file contains the source code, compiled class files, and jar.