Looking at the work required to use a database from Java, we see that there are basically three tasks we need to accomplish. We have to:

1. Connect to the database so we can send it our requests
   
   
2. Compose and send those requests to the database
   
   
3. Catch the results of our requests and do something with them

This module will focus on the first task. We will look at the fundamentals of our program's connection to a relational database. Your learning will be in the context of the case study you have been following in this course.

After completing this module, you will have the skills and knowledge to:

1. Describe the different pieces of the JDBC specification
2. Write JDBC URLs
3. Define the three functions that JDBC drivers perform in the data request process
4. Define the purpose of four basic JDBC drivers
5. Use the JDBC DriverManager to connect to the DBMS
6. Write a simple yet complete JDBC program

In the next lesson, you will learn about the JDBC's relationship to SQL as a database connectivity tool.