4D Inc. on Tuesday offered users of their 4D database software a free Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) driver. The driver enables developers working with the Java programming language to access 4D databases. It’s available for download from 4D’s Web site now.
The new driver provides the ability to exchange data between a 4D Server 2003 database and any Java-based application that supports JDBC connectivity.
“4D is committed to providing open standards connectivity to our Macintosh customers, unlike other companies who are dropping connectivity options for the Macintosh platform,” said Brendan Coveney, president and CEO of 4D, Inc.
Coveney’s comment would seem to be a reference to Apple subsidiary FileMaker Inc.’s recent release of FileMaker Pro 7. A forthcoming Mac version of FileMaker Server 7 Advanced lacks JDBC and ODBC connectivity, a feature present in the Windows version. Although FileMaker has stated its intent to bring the connectivity to the Mac version, the company is unable to provide a time frame, saying only that there are “delays in implementing the technology.” The news has been greeted with derision by some Mac-centric FileMaker developers.
“The JDBC functionality is provided for free to all 4D Server 2003 users providing ‘advanced’ functionality in the ‘standard’ package,” Coveney continued.
Based on JDBC 3, the 4D JDBC driver includes source code to allow developers to add their own custom application programming interfaces (APIs) if necessary. It runs on any platform where a Java runtime environment is available, and connects to 4D Server 2003 running on Windows or Mac OS.