The Apache Derby tool based on Eclipse

Brief introduction

Apache Derby and IBM Cloudscape

Apache Derby is an Apache DB project that is a lightweight, embeddable relational engine in the form of a Java class library. Its native interface is Java Database Connectivity (JDBC), which is extended with Java relationships. Derby is very easy to deploy and run, and it's easy to develop on it.

In August 2004, IBM donated a copy of the Cloudscape 10.0 relational database product to the Apache Software Foundation (ASF), which has a new name: "Derby". Since then, IBM Cloudscape has become the commercial version of the open source Apache Derby database and is completely free of charge. The IBM software includes Apache Derby code that has not been modified, plus some features that are not in Apache Derby software, such as user-friendly installers, including a Java Runtime that helps the novice Java developer to improve its level enviro Nment (JRE) and some translations of good manuals. You can also purchase technical support from IBM Cloudscape. The latest version of the Cloudscape currently available is edition 10.1.

Eclipse

The Eclipse platform has become so popular in the Java development community that it is a matter of course. This platform provides rich functionality in the form of plug-ins and is easy to learn and use.

Eclipse-based tools for the Apache Derby database

This article is intended for users of Eclipse who want to interact with the Derby database. However, other Derby users will also find that this article is helpful in understanding the various ways to learn to use Derby in Eclipse or to Cloudscape Workbench with a stand-alone Rich-Client Platform (RCP) application.

There are other tool options, such as Squirrelsql clients, but they are beyond the scope of this article.

Tools

Apache Derby Plugin

WTP Plugin

IBM Cloudscape Workbench, RCP, or Eclipse plug-ins

All tools: WTP, Cloudscape Workbench and Derby plug-ins

Apache Derby Plugin

By adding the Derby plug-in to Eclipse, the development environment has been enhanced, and now in eclipse you can add the Derby jar file to the classpath of a project to start and stop the Derby network server, run IJ (SQL command-line tools), and use the SysInfo output Derby System information.

Size: 3 MB

Ease of use: Eclipse's new users take some time to familiarize themselves with the IDE. For the Derby plug-in, Derby users can quickly get started. And new users of Derby will find it helpful to learn IJ for using the tool in Eclipse.

User oriented: This solution is ideal for all Eclipse and Derby users who are primarily interested in the development of stand-alone database applications. New users of Eclipse or Derby can also benefit from the solution, but the learning curve is steeper.