MySql JDBC Driver & How to Connect

DbSchema is connecting to MySql using JDBC Drivers.

  1. What are JDBC Drivers
  2. What is the JDBC URL
  3. Download the MySql JDBC Driver
  4. How to Connect using the DbSchema MySql

What are JDBC Drivers?

JDBC drivers are Java library files with the extension '.jar', used by Java applications to connect to the database. Usually they are provided by the same company which developed the database software. DbSchema is an MySql Client which already includes the MySql JDBC driver. DbSchema can configure the MySql JDBC URL and test the connectivity.

What is the JDBC URL?

The URL is a string (text) with a specific format containing information about the host where the database is running, the port, username, database name, etc. The URL format is specific to each driver. Any wrong character in the URL may make the database connectivity fail. Therefore we recommend installing DbSchema and try to get connected, and you will find the JDBC URL in the connection dialog.

MySql JDBC Driver

  • Required File(s): mysql-connector-java-nn-bin.jar
  • Java Driver Class: com.mysql.jdbc.Driver
  • URL: jdbc:mysql://HOST[:PORT][/DB]
  • Website: MySQL

Download the MySql JDBC Driver

The driver library files are compressed in a zip archive.

If you cannot connect, or you get issues with the driver, please ask DbSchema Team for help.

Solving Common Connectivity Issues

Enable Remote Access on MySql Server

By default MySql does not allow connecting from another machine as the one where the server is installed. You can enable remote access during installation ( see the next chapter ) or later using the instructions below.
  • On the server type in the command prompt or terminal mysql -u root -p <root_password> The mysql console should start.
  • List the databases using show databases
  • View the configured grants using select * from db;
  • Enable remote access for a user foo using GRANT ALL ON foo.* TO bar@'202.54.10.20' IDENTIFIED BY 'PASSWORD'; Here you have to edit the user ( put your user instead of foo ), the IP of the client machine and the root password.
If this didn't help, please try to search the web for tutorials.

MySql Installation Tips

Configure MySql to allow remote connections Install MySql from http://www.mysql.com. During installation go for a detailed install, and when you are prompted for the user password check the 'Enable root access from remote machines'.

Enabling this you will be allowed to connect to MySql from another computer. Remember the password you set here, it will be requested when connecting to the database as user root.

Connect to MySql using DbSchema

DbSchema is using JDBC Drivers to connect to the database. Installing the application you can easy set up a connection. DbSchema will build the JDBC URL for you.
  1. 1 Download DbSchema. DbSchema has a free community edition. No email or registration is required.
  2. 2 Choose to connect to the database, and choose MySql. Connect to database
  3. 3 Connection-dialog

    At this point, DbSchema already downloads the JDBC driver into this folders:

    • C:\Users\YourUser\.DbSchema\drivers\MySql (Windows) or
    • /Users/YourUser/.DbSchema/drivers/MySql (Linux and MacOS).

    In the Connection Dialog, select the driver and the JDBC URL template. For databases using multiple possibilities to connect, may exists multiple templates. Choose if the database is running on the current machine or a different port. If is running on a different machine (remote), you need to find the host name. Hover the Host info label using the mouse to get instructions.

  4. 4 Press the Ping button to test the connectivity.
  5. 5 Edit JDBC URL In the URL combo there is an option to 'Manually Edit the URL'. Select this option to see the generated JDBC URL.
  6. 6 DbSchema Layouts After connecting, DbSchema will create the first diagrams (layouts). Double-click any table header or column to edit.
  7. 7 SQL Editor Activate the SQL Editor from the menu to edit and execute queries. For a detailed list of features, please read the DbSchema Quick Tour.