What is JDBC and how does it work?

JDBC (Java Database Connectivity) is an API (Application Programming Interface) that allows Java applications to interact with databases. It provides a set of classes and interfaces that enable the Java application to send SQL queries to the database and retrieve the results.

JDBC works by establishing a connection to the database using a driver that is specific to the database being accessed. The driver acts as a bridge between the Java application and the database, translating the Java calls into database-specific commands and vice versa.

Once the connection is established, the Java application can create and execute SQL statements such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE to interact with the database. Result sets can be retrieved and processed to access and manipulate the data returned by the database.

In summary, JDBC enables Java applications to communicate with databases by providing a standardized way to connect, send queries, and retrieve results, making it a crucial component for any Java application that needs to interact with a database.