15.2 JDBC Driver Types

Type 1

A third-party JDBC driver that is partially Java and communicates indirectly with a database server through a native ODBC driver.

Type 1 drivers serve as a JDBC-ODBC bridge. Sun provides a JDBC-ODBC bridge driver for experimental use and for situations when no other type of third-party JDBC driver is available.

Type 2

A third-party JDBC driver that is part Java and communicates indirectly with a database server through its native client APIs.

Type 3

A third-party JDBC driver that is pure Java and communicates indirectly with a database server through a middleware server.

Type 4

A third-party JDBC driver that is pure Java and communicates directly with a database server.

15.2.1 Which Type To Use?

Type 3 and 4 drivers are generally more stable than type 1 and 2 drivers. Type 1 and 2 drivers are generally faster than type 3 and 4 drivers. Type 2 and 3 drivers are generally more secure than type 1 and 4 drivers.

Because Identity Manager uses a directory as its datastore, and because databases are usually significantly faster than directories, performance isn’t a primary concern. Stability, however, is an issue. For this reason, we recommend that you use a type 3 or 4 third-party JDBC driver whenever possible.

IMPORTANT:If you choose to use a type 1 or type 2 driver (one containing native code) with the Driver for JDBC, use the Remote Loader to ensure the integrity of the directory process.