JDBC driver compatibility assessment

When upgrading the Java runtime to a new major version (e.g., from OpenJDK 11 to OpenJDK 21), you must ensure that your JDBC database drivers are compatible with the new Java version. If you are keeping your current Java version, updating JDBC drivers is generally not required. This guide explains how to check compatibility and update drivers if needed.

IMPORTANT
Known issue with Microsoft SQL Server
Customers running MS SQL Server have repeatedly experienced connection errors when the JDBC driver is not updated before upgrading the JDK. If you are switching to OpenJDK 21, use mssql-jdbc-12.6.jre21.jar or later. Older versions — in particular variants with the jre11 suffix — are no longer compatible with OpenJDK 21.

Not planning a Java upgrade?
If you are staying on your current Java version, your existing JDBC drivers will generally remain compatible. The steps in this guide are not required in that case.

Requirements

You have an inventory of your configured database connections and the JDBC driver versions in use for each.
You have access to the driver directory of the Lobster Data Platform.
You can restart the platform.
You know which Java version you are upgrading to (e.g., OpenJDK 21).

Step 1 – Identify JDBC drivers in use

Open the database connection configuration in the Lobster Data Platform.
For each connection, note the JDBC driver (name and version, e.g., ojdbc11.jar, mssql-jdbc-12.6.jre21.jar) and the database version (e.g., Oracle 19c, PostgreSQL 16, SQL Server 2022).

Step 2 – Check compatibility with the target Java version

Consult the compatibility matrix published by each driver vendor and use the latest stable driver that supports your target Java version. The table below provides reference values for common databases when upgrading to OpenJDK 21. If you are upgrading to a different Java version, refer to the respective vendor documentation accordingly.

Database	Minimum version for OpenJDK 21	Vendor documentation
Microsoft SQL Server	`mssql-jdbc-12.6.jre21.jar` or later—use the `jre21` ⁣variant, not the `jre11`.	Microsoft JDBC Support Matrix
Oracle Database	`ojdbc11.jar` 23.x or later.	Oracle JDBC Downloads
PostgreSQL	`postgresql-42.7.x.jar` or later. The current 42.7.x series is the correct product family for use with Java 21.	PostgreSQL JDBC Changelog
MySQL / MariaDB	`mysql-connector-j-8.3.x.jar` or later.	MySQL Connector/J versions
MariaDB (native driver)	Current MariaDB Connector/J	MariaDB Connector/J Release Notes
Salesforce (JDBC)	Salesforce JDBC driver 25.x or later requires Lobster Data Platform 26.2 or later. Earlier platform versions are not supported.	Salesforce Driver Online Help
Informix	NOTE Not supported as a hub database as of 26.2 (and patches 26.1.5 and 25.1.11). All Informix JARs have been removed from `IS/lib`. For other roles, provide the driver yourself and place it under `IS/extlib`. Test connectivity in a staging environment.	IBM Informix JDBC 4.50.JC7 Release Notes

NOTE
The driver versions listed above are reference values for an upgrade to OpenJDK 21. Always consult the official vendor documentation for your specific database and Java version combination.

Step 3 – Update drivers

IMPORTANT
Update JDBC drivers before upgrading Java. If you switch the Java version first without updating the drivers, database connections can fail and the platform may not be operational.

Download the compatible JDBC driver version from the vendor's site.
Replace the existing .jar file in the Lobster Data Platform driver directory.
Restart the platform.

Step 4 – Test connections

Open the relevant database connection in the Lobster Data Platform.
Run a connection test.
Check the log files for any errors or warnings related to the JDBC driver.

Best practice
Always perform driver updates and Java upgrades in a test or staging environment first before rolling out the changes to production.

Continue with: JDOM1-to-JDOM2 migration