JDBC is a Java API (Application Programming Interface, an interface between application programs and the operating system) that you use to execute SQL statements. JDBC enables an application, such as ColdFusion, to interact with a variety of relational databases, without using interfaces that are database- and platform-specific.
Note: JDBC is not an acronym; however, it is often believed to stand for Java DataBase Connectivity.
The following table describes the four types of JDBC drivers:
Type
Name
Description
1
JDBC-ODBC bridge
Translates JDBC calls into ODBC calls, and sends them to the ODBC driver.
Advantages Allows access to many different databases.
Disadvantages The ODBC driver, and possibly the client database libraries, must reside on the ColdFusion server computer. Performance is also below par.
Macromedia does not recommend this driver type unless your application requires specific features of these drivers.
2
Native-API/partly Java driver
Converts JDBC calls into database-specific calls.
Advantages Better performance than Type 1 Driver.
Disadvantages The vendor's client database libraries must reside on the same computer as ColdFusion.
Macromedia does not recommend this driver type unless your application requires specific features of these drivers.
3
JDBC-Net pure Java driver
Translates JDBC calls into the middle-tier server, which then translates the request to the database-specific native-connectivity interface.
Advantages No need for vendor's database libraries to be present on client computer. Can be tailored for small size (faster loading).
Disadvantages Database-specific code must be executed in the middle-tier.
4
Native-protocol/all-Java driver
Converts JDBC calls into the network protocol used directly by the database.
Advantages Fast performance. No special software needed on the computer on which you run ColdFusion.
Disadvantages Many of these protocols are proprietary, requiring a different driver for each database.
Supplied drivers
The following table shows the database drivers supplied with ColdFusion and where you can find more information:
Comments are no longer accepted for ColdFusion MX. ColdFusion 8 is the current version.
Comments
sundvor
said on
Jul 19, 2002
at
5:57 AM :
It would be helpful if the supplied drivers were to be categorised according to the version of CFMX. E.g., that you will not get the Oracle driver with Professional, for that you need Enterprise.
nicklello
said on
Jul 24, 2002
at
3:22 PM :
No Informix 7.x support ?? Can we replace the JDBC drivers with the Informix type 4 ones ?
rnielsen
said on
Sep 12, 2002
at
2:08 PM :
The list of supplied drivers is inaccurate. ColdFusion MX does not support the DB2 for OS/390 driver.
Randy Nielsen
ColdFusion IMD Manager
lbryngel
said on
Sep 24, 2003
at
11:36 AM :
JDBC-ODBC bridge refers to the ODBC Socket driver option in the Coldfusion Administrator.
Comments
sundvor said on Jul 19, 2002 at 5:57 AM : nicklello said on Jul 24, 2002 at 3:22 PM : rnielsen said on Sep 12, 2002 at 2:08 PM : lbryngel said on Sep 24, 2003 at 11:36 AM :