There are currently four different type of JDBC drivers each one having its own specific use and limitations.
This driver type is the JDBC-ODBC bridge.
It is limited to running locally.
Must have ODBC installed on computer.
Must have ODBC driver for specific database installed on computer.
Generally can't run inside an applet because of Native Method calls.
Native Database library driver.
Uses Native Database library on computer to access database.
Generally can't run inside an applet because of Native Method calls.
Must have database library installed on client.
100% Java Driver, NO native methods.
Does NOT require pre-installation on client.
Can be downloaded and configured "on-the-fly" just like any Java class file.
Uses a proprietary protocol for talking with a middleware server.
Middleware server converts from proprietary calls to DBMS specific calls
100% Java Driver, NO native methods.
Does NOT require pre-installation on client.
Can be downloaded and configured "on-the-fly" just like any Java class file.
Unlike Type III driver, talks DIRECTLY with the DBMS server.
Converts JDBC calls directly to database specific calls.
EnterpriseDB JDBC Connector is a Type 4 driver.
