Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
Database Client-Based Architecture
Client-based database drivers communicate with the database through the data-
base's client software, as shown in Figure 3-3. This software is the database ven-
dor's proprietary software, such as Oracle Net8 or OpenClient for Sybase. Many
ODBC drivers and ADO.NET data providers on the market use this architecture.
In the JDBC world, only a few drivers, known as Type 2 drivers, use this architec-
ture.
JDBC API Tutorial and Reference
states that Type 2 drivers are “generally less
desirable solutions.”
Application
Standards-Based Calls
Database
Driver
Client-Based Protocol
Client
Software
Database Wire Protocol
Figure 3-3
Database client-based architecture
Following are the disadvantages of using client-based drivers:
•
You must install, configure, and maintain database client software on every
computer that needs database connectivity.
•
You may have to install and support a different version of the client software
for each version of the database system you are using.
•
The database driver must be developed with the restrictions of the client
software, which may be either functional or quality restrictions. For exam-
ple, if your application is designed to run on a 64-bit Linux operating
