Using MySQL and JDBC in new teaching methods for undergraduate database systems courses

Abstract

This paper describes how the open source database software MySQL and Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) are used in new teaching methods for undergraduate Database Systems courses. Traditionally, the content of these courses include database design and an implementation using SQL. The wide spread use of database in ecommerce demands a different approach for teaching students, who, are not only interested in database, but also in programming database in Web application development. We have complementarily blended SQL and Java to enhance students' learning and understanding of Database Systems and its programming. The lab component uses MySQL which can be installed on different operating systems. Java is used for building GUIs and transaction processing in the term project. Database connectivity and transaction processing via embedding SQL statements in Java are achieved using JDBC and MySQL Connector/J driver. Course components are evaluated based on feedback from students who completed the course. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.