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Connecting to a database

Step 1: Import JDBC Packages​

import java.sql.Connection;
import java.sql.DriverManager;
import java.sql.SQLException;

In this step, we import necessary JDBC packages. Connection is used to establish a connection with the database, and DriverManager manages a list of database drivers.

Step 2: Set Up Database Connection Variables​

String jdbcUrl = "jdbc:mysql://localhost:3306/sampledb";
String username = "your_username";
String password = "your_password";

Here, we define the JDBC URL, which includes the database type (mysql), the server location (localhost), port number (3306), and the database name (sampledb). Replace your_username and your_password with your database credentials.

Step 3: Establish a Connection​

try {
    Connection connection = DriverManager.getConnection(jdbcUrl, username, password);
} catch (SQLException e) {
    e.printStackTrace();
}

In the try block, we attempt to establish a connection to the database using DriverManager.getConnection. If an exception occurs (e.g., if the connection fails), it is caught and printed.

Step 4: Close the Connection (Optional)​

try {
    connection.close();
} catch (SQLException e) {
    e.printStackTrace();
}

It's good practice to close the connection when it's no longer needed to release resources. This is done in a try block to handle potential exceptions.

Explanation of Components:​

  • Connection: Represents a connection to the database. It is the starting point for interacting with the database.

  • DriverManager: Manages a list of database drivers. It is used to establish a connection to the database using the specified JDBC URL.

  • SQLException: An exception class that handles errors related to database access.