User`s guide

2 Getting Started with Database Toolbox
2-10
Choosing Between ODBC and JDBC Drivers
In this section...
“Defining Database Drivers” on page 2-10
“Deciding Between ODBC and JDBC Drivers” on page 2-10
Defining Database Drivers
Different database vendors, such as Microsoft or Oracle, might implement their database
systems using various technologies depending on customer needs, market demands, and
several other factors. Software applications written in popular programming languages,
such as C, C++, or Java, need a way to communicate with these databases. Open
Database Connectivity (ODBC) and Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) are standards
for drivers that enable programmers to write database-agnostic software applications.
ODBC and JDBC are simply standards, or a set of rules recommended for efficient
communication with a database. The database vendor is responsible for implementing
and providing drivers that are committed to follow these rules.
Deciding Between ODBC and JDBC Drivers
ODBC is a standard Microsoft Windows interface that enables communication between
database management systems and applications typically written in C or C++.
JDBC is a standard interface that enables communication between applications based on
Oracle Java and database management systems.
The JDBC/ODBC bridge is a Java library that allows Java applications to access the
ODBC interface.
Database Toolbox has a Java library that connects directly to a pure JDBC driver or
uses the JDBC/ODBC bridge to connect to an ODBC driver. The JDBC/ODBC bridge is
automatically installed as part of the MATLAB JVM™. Database Toolbox also has a C++
library that connects natively to an ODBC driver.
The following figure illustrates how drivers interact with Database Toolbox.