Is there a \"best\" or more popular database for standalone Java app? I\'m currently writing by hand, but I would like to know what is commonly done, if there is something t
Java 6 ships with Derby (renamed JavaDB). It can be used in memory or server mode.
HyperSQL (HSQLDB) is also popular.
For development purposes, I often use the Hypersonic SQL Database (HSQLDB). It's fast and lightweight, and good enough to get started. For a bigger application, I'd go for Derby, which supports more options.
apart all those mentioned here, one can also go for H2 database which is light and can be used in-memory or in server mode.
I would suggest using something like SQLite with SQLiteJDBC.
It also sounds like HyperSQL and Derby (which ships with certain Java versions) are popular choices.
The main competitors - HyperSQL (HSQLDB), JavaDB (Derby) and SQLite (not java-based) were mentioned.
There are a few other options: