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# Java JDBC API

The Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) API provides universal data access from the Java programming language. Using the JDBC API, you can access virtually any data source, from relational databases to spreadsheets and flat files. JDBC technology also provides a common base on which tools and alternate interfaces can be built.

The JDBC API is comprised of two packages:

- `java.sql`
- `javax.sql`

You automatically get both packages when you download the Java Platform Standard Edition (Java SE) 8.

To use the JDBC API with a particular database management system, you need a JDBC technology-based driver to mediate between JDBC technology and the database. Depending on various factors, a driver might be written purely in the Java programming language or in a mixture of the Java programming language and Java Native Interface (JNI) native methods. To obtain a JDBC driver for a particular database management system, see JDBC Data Access API.

## Enhancements in Java SE 8

Component: core-libs
Sub-Component: java.sql:bridge
Synopsis: The JDBC-ODBC Bridge has been removed.
RFE: 7176225

Component: core-libs
Sub-Component: java.sql
Synopsis: JDBC 4.2 introduces the following features:

- Addition of REF_CURSOR support.
- Addition of `java.sql.DriverAction` Interface
- >Addition of security check on deregisterDriver Method in DriverManager Class
- Addition of the `java.sql.SQLType` Interface
- Addition of the `java.sql.JDBCType` Enum
- Add Support for large update counts
- Changes to the existing interfaces
- Rowset 1.2: Lists the enhancements for JDBC RowSet.

RFE: 8005080

## Enhancements in Java SE 7

Component: core-libs
Sub-Component: java.sql
Synopsis: JDBC 4.1 introduces the following features:

- The ability to use a `try`-with-resources statement to automatically close resources of type `Connection`, `ResultSet`, and `Statement`
- RowSet 1.1: The introduction of the `RowSetFactory` interface and the `RowSetProvider` class, which enable you to create all types of row sets supported by your JDBC driver.

RFE: 6589685

Component: docs
Sub-Component: release_notes
Synopsis: The JDBC-ODBC Bridge will be removed in JDK 8.
RFE: 8001747

## More Information

- JDBC Basics Tutorial
- JDBC Home Page
- Frequently Asked Questions about JDBC

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