How to use Java classes in SQL

Using user-defined Java classes is a three-step activity:

1. Write or acquire a set of Java classes that you want to use as SQL datatypes, or as SQL aliases for static methods.

2. Install those classes in the Adaptive Server database.

   Classes included in the Java distribution are always available and do not need to be installed in the database prior to use.

3. Use those classes in SQL code:

   • Invoke static methods directly as UDFs.

   • Declare the Java classes as datatypes of SQL columns, variables, and parameters. In this book, they are called Java-SQL columns, variables, and parameters.

   • Reference the fields or methods of Java-SQL columns, variables, or parameters.

   • Wrap static methods in SQL aliases and use them as stored procedures or functions.