The CHOICE : Firebird or H2

Question

Hi, i have to choice a database to use in server-mode for a java desktop application.

I think both are great java database.

In my opinion (im NOT well-informed):

H2 PRO

• Is java based
• Develeopment say it is very very fast
• Easy to install, configure and use with java application

H2 CONS

• Is a young project
• Reliability doubt for commercial porpouse

---

FireBird PRO

• Rock solid project
• Well documented
• Should be fast and well optimized for large data
• Has a java driver...

FireBird CONS

• It is not java based
• ... ?

So, i can't choice between this great db, can i have a suggestion?

Thank.

Answer 1

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/827220/any-real-world-experience-with-h2-database

Answer 2

H2 - is not that immature, it's actually got a lot of history - HSQLDB came before it.

It's also easy to test, since you just include the jar in your test classpath and you're away. It can also run in-memory, which is also great for unit testing.

I tend to go for a pure java stack unless there is a strong reason not to. Simplifies testing and installation, and using a java stack there is generally less chance of platform idiosynchrasies creeping in, since the vm operation and basic I/O apis are solid and compatible across the major platforms.

But if you're really unsure then try it. JDBC/Spring/Hibernate and most database access layers are db-agnostic, so changing database is often little more than changing the JDBC driver URL. If you are using custom SQL, then use a query builder so these can be easily migrated. Then you can try both databases and make a switch easily if you later discover you made the wrong choice, or a new option becomes apparent.

Answer 3

In my opinion, H2 is allmost only for Java World even if I see there is drivers for dotnet.

Firebird is more open because it have more drivers and access components.

Firebird have more GUI Administration tools.