Barry,
with JDBC ... is there a way to create the database itself
That depends on the definition of database that your [O|R]DBMS is using. In my experience, working with
Informix and
Oracle, one does allow it (
Informix) while the other does not. This is because
Oracle equates a "database" with
Informix's notion of an "instance", whereas
Oracle's definition of a "schema" is parallel to
Informix's idea of a database.
So, in conclusion, it depends on the DBMS you are using. Unfortunately I couldn't find that detail in your post, so I can't really answer your question, can I?
Good Luck,
Avi.