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Apache DB Project
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Apache Derby Project Charter

Derby Project Charter

The Derby project develops open source database technology that is:

  • Pure Java
  • Easy to use
  • Small footprint
  • Standards based
  • Secure

Database Technology

Database technology is defined as software that processes data related requests from applications. Data requests include data definition, data modification and data retrieval. Database GUI tooling and IDEs are not developed by the Derby project.

Pure Java

Derby technology is written in Java to take advantage of Java’s write once, run anywhere promise. Java platforms such as OSGi, J2ME, J2SE and J2EE are supported as appropriate.

Easy to Use

Derby technology aims to be easy to use for software developers and zero administration for end users.

Small Footprint

Derby technologies are designed to provide significant useful functionality in a small code size footprint with efficient runtime resource usage.

Standards based

Derby technology adheres to database standards such as JDBC and ANSI SQL standards. This means Derby provides the functionality expected of a modern relational database, including SQL syntax, transaction management, concurrency, triggers, and online backups. And it also means developers can later migrate to other databases if they so choose.


Derby technology provides secure data management appropriate to environment the engine is executing in. Traditional enterprise database systems rely on the machine being physically protected (locked machine room) for security, Derby databases are often in unprotected environments, such as laptops and unattended hardware.

Derby Technologies

Derby embedded database engine

The core of the technology, Derby’s database engine is a full functioned relational embedded database engine. JDBC and SQL are the programming APIs.

Derby network server

The Derby network server increases the reach of the Derby database engine by providing traditional client server functionality. The network server allows clients to connect over TCP/IP using the standard DRDA protocol. The network server allows the Derby engine to support networked JDBC, ODBC/CLI, Perl and PHP.

Database Utilities

  • ij -- a tool that allows SQL scripts to be executed against any JDBC database.
  • dblook -- Schema extraction tool for a Derby database.
  • sysinfo -- Utility to display version numbers and class path.

Derby History

Cloudscape Inc, an Oakland, California start-up, was founded in 1996 to develop Java database technology. The first release of the database engine, then called JBMS, was in 1997. Subsequently the product was renamed Cloudscape and releases were made about every six months. In 1999 Informix Software, Inc., acquired Cloudscape, Inc. In 2001 IBM acquired the database assets of Informix Software, including Cloudscape. The database engine was re-branded to IBM Cloudscape and releases continued, mainly focussing on embedded use with IBM's Java products and middleware. In August 2004 IBM contributed the code to the Apache Software Foundation as Derby, an Incubator project sponsored by the Apache DB project (see the Incubator proposal). In July 2005 Derby graduated from the Incubator into the Apache DB project.

Last updated: 14-February-2006