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Introduction to Java in Oracle8i

Java applications are supported within the Oracle8i database. Java applications can range from the simple standalone application to large, enterprise solutions using EJB or CORBA. All supported Java APIs cannot be covered within a single document; thus, several books describe the full support for Java within Oracle8i. This book provides a general overview for how you should program your Java applications when loading and running these applications in the database. Secondly, this book helps you choose which type of Java application you might develop, and direct you to the corresponding book for detailed information on that subject.

This chapter contains the following information:

• Introduces the Java language for Oracle database programmers. Oracle PL/SQL developers are accustomed to developing server-side applications that have tight integration with SQL data. You can develop Java server-side applications that take advantage of the scalability and performance of the Oracle database. If you are not familiar with Java, see "Overview of Java".

• Examines why you should consider using Java within an Oracle8i database. See "Why Use Java in Oracle8i?". In addition, a brief description is given of the Java application development interfaces supported within Oracle8i. These include SQLJ, JDBC, Java stored procedures, EJB, and CORBA. See "Oracle's Java Application Strategy".

• Provides a roadmap to the Oracle8i Java documentation. Several Java application types are supported within Oracle8i. Each of these types are described generally in this book, and more intimately in their own books. "Overview of Oracle8i Java Documentation" shows you which books cover each Java application type in detail.

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