Hi, DB newbie...

[Carmen Brianick]

Hi, I have never been involved with database programming. I'm currently learning SQL Server 2000. My question is what kind of technology should I learn to connect and use databases with my java code. Is Hibernate the way to go?

Also, if you can list any recommended books or sites, that would be very appreciated!

Thanks so much,
Carmen

[Paul Sturrock]

Your first port of call should probably be JDBC. All Java-based Object Relational Mapping products will ultimately use this. ORM products are very good, but carry with them a good degree of assumed understanding. Start with the simple stuff.

[Pj Murray]

I agree with Paul, in that you need to start with JDBC. This probably implies you also need to have a firm grasp of SQL (which I assume you have if you come from the database side of development).

Can I suggest that the second step, before you look at any specific data persistence technology like ORM, JDO, EJB CMP, SDO, is to look at the Data Access Object design pattern?

http://java.sun.com/blueprints/corej2eepatterns/Patterns/DataAccessObject.html

http://www.codefutures.com/data-access-object/

After that, you should be able to produce (or at least generate using a tool) Java persistence code that you understand from first principles.

Then you can decide if you want to look at more advanced/complicated solutions if that is appropriate to your application.


Hope this helps....