Connect to DB with JDBC

[rnedelkow]

Does anyone know how to connect to their mysql db with JDBC? I'm looking for a basic construct of the connection string.

[glennrocksvb]

If you google it, you would find a lot of examples. But why do you need it? Do you want to connect to a vB database using Java? Why don't you just call the vB API instead of directly connecting to the vB database?

[rnedelkow]

I prefer to use JDBC but was getting an error trying to connect.

[glennrocksvb]

Why would you prefer that? Accessing the vB database directly outside vBulletin is dangerous and not recommended for the following reasons:

1. You would have to store and maintain the database credentials outside vBulletin in that extenal application.
2. It bypasses the permission checks done by vB before allowing the data to be written or read to and from the database.
3. Modifying the database directly may break the database and thus the site.
4. When inserting data into the database, it may insert data into multiple tables and trigger other process. For example, saving a post will insert the data into the node table, closure table and other tables. And then read another table for getting the subscibers to the topic and then send them PM/email notifications that a new post was submitted to the topic. You will have to duplicate the same logic/process that's already coded in vBulletin and do the same things in the external application. You're basically reinventing the wheel.

[rnedelkow]

Thanks for sharing that Glenn. It's primarily a read-only project but this is something I'll keep in mind. Thanks again.

[glennrocksvb]

Just use the API to read the data. I have a link to the API documentation in the Useful Links module on home page.

[rnedelkow]

Thank you.