special driver to connect to sql server 2008 express

Question

I'm a java newbie, want to test out some hibernate goodies!

I have netbeans installed, and I included the Hibernate libraries.

I then created a new package named Model.

I will drop my Class and xml config files in there.

Do I need a special library to connect to sql server? (windows machine)

Answer 1

Yes, you'll need a JDBC library that talks to Microsoft SQL Server. jTDS used to be my first choice but the Microsoft JDBC driver has come a long way and I'd recommend using that. You can download it from this site .

You'll also need to follow these instructions to get the two talking to each other as SQL Server express doesn't listen to TCP by default and uses Windows Authentication Mode.

Have a look at these two URLs for examples of your hibernate.cfg: An explanatory Blog Entry and a JavaRanch Question .