I am doing an undergrad final project, and need to justify my choice of MySQL for the database element of my project. Truth is, it's the only one I can really use, and hence I went for it.
What other database systems could I have used? Any advantages and disadvantages of these over MySQL?
In fact, you can use every database which is accessible through a JDBC driver. Almost all self-respected RDBMS vendors provides a fullworthy JDBC driver for download at their homepage. Just Google "[vendorname] jdbc driver download" to find it. Here's an overview:
/java folder of the DB2 installation.This way you can use the JDBC API transparently to access either of the databases.
As to which database to choose, just look at the features, robustness, performance, etc the RDBMS provides and the budget you have -if it isn't freeware. I myself tend to prefer PostgreSQL.
Instead of a fullfledged database server, you can also consider an embedded Javabased database, such as Sun Oracle JavaDB, Apache Derby, HSQLDB or SQLite, each which are of course accessible through the JDBC API the usual way.
You could have used pretty much ANY database. MSSQL, SQLite, Postgre, Oracle or [put your choice here]
There's a driver for pretty much any database to integrate with Java. This is a great place to find out all the DB's java support, as well as how to integrate
Hope this helps
You can use any relational database that has a JDBC driver. These would include PostgreSQL, Hypersonic SQL, MySQL, SQLLite on the free side and Oracle, MS SQL Server, and others on the paid side.
The biggest advantage accrued to MySQL in your case is that it's free and you know it. That's enough to make it suitable for what you want to accomplish.
Have a look at the list of vendors who have endorsed the JDBC API maintained by Sun. Also see the list of third-party JDBC technology-enabled drivers which are currently shipping.