--- title: Apache Derby Reviews meta\_title: 'Apache Derby Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta\_description: Filter 23 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how Apache Derby works for a business like yours. aggregate\_rating: rating\_value: 3.8 review\_count: 23 scale: '5' date\_modified: '2026-08-07' parent\_category: name: Database Software url: https://www.g2.com/categories/database-software --- # Apache Derby Reviews & Product Details Apache Derby is a relational database management system developed by the Apache Software Foundation that can be embedded in Java programs and used for online transaction processing. * * * Seller [The Apache Software Foundation](https://www.g2.com/sellers/the-apache-software-foundation) Discussions [Apache Derby Community](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-derby/discuss) Show More ## Value at a Glance Averages based on real user reviews. ### Perceived Cost $$$$$ [ View More Pricing Information ](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-derby/pricing) ## Top-Rated Alternatives [ ![MySQL](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "MySQL") MySQL 4.4/5(1,682) ](https://www.g2.com/products/mysql/reviews) [ ![SQLite](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "SQLite") SQLite 4.3/5(262) ](https://www.g2.com/products/sqlite/reviews) [ ![PostgreSQL](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "PostgreSQL") PostgreSQL 4.4/5(684) ](https://www.g2.com/products/postgresql/reviews) [ View All Alternatives ](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-derby/competitors/alternatives) ## User Insights Average based on 23 real user reviews. Perceived Cost $$$$$ [Log in to unlock pricing and user insights](/login) ![Varshini S.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Varshini S.") VS Varshini S. Database Engineer Information Technology and Services Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 12/9/2021 "System Routine Execution Permissions are well-structured in Apache Derby for our RDS" 3.5/5 What do you like best about Apache Derby? Apache Derby is an SQL relational database system in which its extensive language compiler determines the various expressions during compilation time and produces substantial results. We can use both implicit and explicit functions to denote our associated records and data types in our environment. It follows Derby database connection schematics with which we utilize its subfunctional protocols and properties to connect with our various enterprise database systems. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Apache Derby? Apache Derby follows java-based SQL drivers, which efficiently establishes connections with our object drivers. It is capable of taking more than one argument besides our regular JDBC connection URL, which helps to provide authentication and authorization within our set database connection. I prefer using Apache Derby for my relational database management system in our enterprise. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Apache Derby solving and how is that benefiting you? Apache Derby resolves most of the SQL error messages and exceptions thanks to its categorization of SQL states. For improving the default transaction method, it provides java SQL connection sets that commit our current transaction and perform various operations such as serialization, commit read, distinct locking, etc. It also maps our XML datatypes which retrieves XML data as java strings with the help of SQL queries and XML operators. The permissions are granular and well-specified for our system routine, and its dependency manager accurately tracks, triggers raises constraints depending on the set routine level permissions in our customer's databases. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Ambarish D.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Ambarish D.") AD Ambarish D. Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 7/28/2020 "Easy to install and best for the beginners to learn DBMS." 4/5 What do you like best about Apache Derby? This is a Relational database management system. It is a database system implemented fully in java. It is very easy to install, deploy, and use. I would say it is well suited for beginners who want to learn DBMS as it is easy to configure and use. It has a very small setup to install. It is available with a command-line tool called "ij tool" to access databases and fire various SQL queries. Apache derby is good to use for java applications. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Apache Derby? Apache derby has quite fewer features than any other database system. It is not suitable for large scale enterprise applications. Some of the SQL statements which are available in MySQL are not there in apache derby. As it is made in java so it is comparatively slower than C/C++ database systems. It is less popular in the developers' community. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Apache Derby: If your software application is not a highly distributed enterprise application and highly scaled then you can use this database system. It is a good database system for business software of shops, stores, and malls for maintaining details about customers, products, payments, etc. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Apache Derby solving and how is that benefiting you? Apache derby has good support for JDBC. It has an inbuilt driver for java database connectivity. So I basically use this for my java applications to access data from the database of apache derby. I feel that for the common less scalable products it is a very good choice. As it's set up size is also very less. I am using it for the company's website to store the student data and login information, Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Ajay V.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Ajay V.") AV Ajay V. Senior Software Engineer Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 8/1/2020 "I am having 5+yrs of Software Development in Java and Apache Technologies" 4/5 What do you like best about Apache Derby? Apache Derby is an in memory database which does not require any dedicated database and as I am using Spring in which it is very easy to manage the derby Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Apache Derby? As Compare to H2 its performance with Hibernate is not so good Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Apache Derby: Work on integration with hibernate in which its not upto the mark Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Apache Derby solving and how is that benefiting you? I am using derby for some of my unit test cases using mockito and its very reliable to get overrides the issue for setting up a dedicated db server Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Banking](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Banking") UB Verified User in Banking Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 8/2/2020 "Apache Derby embedded mode is best suited for stand alone apps" 4/5 What do you like best about Apache Derby? I found that Apache Derby also known as Java DB is very fast .Additionally ,much easier to configure / use and it’s hardly takes 15 mins to set up the DB . Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Apache Derby? We have used Apache Derby with in one of the Java swing based stand alone application . I haven’t faced any challenge with this , looks to me there could be issues scalability aspects compared to other enterprise players Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Apache Derby: I strongly recommend to use Apache Derby for stand alone applications Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Apache Derby solving and how is that benefiting you? Since Apache derby is open source , it’s best suited for developing POC’s and small scale apps Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Medical Practice](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Medical Practice") IM Verified User in Medical Practice Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 7/28/2020 "Useful lightweight RDMS embedded in your Java software" 3.5/5 What do you like best about Apache Derby? Lightweight Embedded in your Java application Useful for both smaller projects or integration testing Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Apache Derby? Hard to manage multiple connections too Had some issues with lock files when the host computer crashed. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Apache Derby solving and how is that benefiting you? Junit integration tests Local database for a fat Java client holding sensitive information that shouldn't be hosted in the cloud Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerSource: Seller invite ![Verified User in Airlines/Aviation](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Airlines/Aviation") AA Verified User in Airlines/Aviation Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 8/3/2020 "Easy to configure and manage" 4/5 What do you like best about Apache Derby? It was easy to configure and manage the DB. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Apache Derby? It is just a simple embedded Database, since it is embedded stop start might get crash and chances of loss of data is possible Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Apache Derby: It is easy to store wdsl for webservice kind of request and performance also was great since it embedded DB Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Apache Derby solving and how is that benefiting you? It’s is easy to maintain and it embedded and can we used with web applications Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerSource: Organic ![Samruddhi G.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Samruddhi G.") SG Samruddhi G. Research assistant Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 11/15/2019 "Apache derby is useful for database connection setting while they are required certain steps " 3.5/5 What do you like best about Apache Derby? Apache derby needs a string with connection database and it is easy to set up the connection string no need to write the full string it doesn’t take much time to complete it. Also it doesn’t affect your web page set up also useful in bootstrap web design Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Apache Derby? Apache derby useful In relational ship database as well as non relational ship database systems. And READ operations are easy to perform on it. And easy to modify the database in set up string . Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Apache Derby: It’s totally dependent upon users and administrators use Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Apache Derby solving and how is that benefiting you? Apache derby I used for my student database project using java structure . Setting up the new database and connection string has to be with perfect entity. Otherwise it will take more time to add and revoke each individual attributes of entity. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Daniel B.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Daniel B.") DB Daniel B. Java Developer Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 11/4/2019 " Useful for development environment" 4/5 What do you like best about Apache Derby? Best for using Apache Derby is the ease of sharing an initial database with the entire development team, while at the same time providing freedom for each developer to make any changes they need. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Apache Derby? I think the big problem with using Apache Derby would be the time to build the final script for deployment. Not that it's really problematic, but it's something I can cite as a downside. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Apache Derby: It is very interesting to use during development for small teams. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Apache Derby solving and how is that benefiting you? Best for using Apache Derby is the ease of sharing an initial database with the entire development team, while at the same time providing freedom for each developer to make any changes they need. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite GS Gautam S. Software Architect Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 3/10/2019 "Lightweight Java based Database " 3.5/5 What do you like best about Apache Derby? Apache Derby is small, lightweight database system with very low memory footprint of 3.5 MB. Derby is Java based and can be used with Java programs using JDBC. Due to low memory consumption, it can be used for storage of data on small devices like smartphones or other embedded devices. It can be used with android, J2ME programs on smartphone and handheld devices for data storage. Its available and provided by many operating systems as default database and can be used to create any prototype in less time. Documentation for the DB is available on the derby website and can be used for tuning the database as per the requirements. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Apache Derby? Though the database engine has low memory footprint, it lacks in performance. It can be used easily with a java application but is slow in the usage. Other limitations are, Indexes on columns cannot be created and as the log size exceeds the storage and becomes huge, the database shutdowns are important for efficient use of a database systems. Though the website documentation provides information for tuning the database. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Apache Derby: Recommended to use for storage on handheld and smartphone devices or for quick prototyping. Make sure the performance issues do not affect your requirements. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Apache Derby solving and how is that benefiting you? I used the database for storing data on handheld devices and also for easy prototyping of applications. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More 3/11/2019 Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Information Technology and Services](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Information Technology and Services") UI Verified User in Information Technology and Services Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 11/26/2018 "Fit my needs for prototype development" 3.5/5 What do you like best about Apache Derby? Apache Derby was easy to use and integrate into our prototype. We were able to get it up and running in a matter of minutes not hours. It allowed a jdbc connection to our java code but not all of the functionality to connect with other tools. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Apache Derby? It has a small footprint which is great, but this is balanced by the features and functionality provided.... This eventually convinced us to move to a more traditional database solution. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Apache Derby: Understand the features and functionality as it is alwasy a larger project to migrate to a different system. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Apache Derby solving and how is that benefiting you? Embedded database which can be easily added to any java product. We wanted to deploy a solution which would reside with the application to reduce communication from such product to outside sources (centralized database) this was accomplished but using a different data storage approach. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerSource: Seller invite ## Questions about Apache Derby? Ask real users or explore answers from the community Get practical answers, real workflows, and honest pros and cons from the G2 community or share your insights. [ Ask about Apache Derby ](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-derby/discussions/new) GU Guest User What is Apache Derby used for? 0 Upvotes 0 [ Join the conversation ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-apache-derby-used-for) [ View all Discussions ](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-derby/discuss) ##### Pricing Pricing details for this product isn’t currently available. Visit the vendor’s website to learn more. [ View More Pricing Information ](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-derby/pricing) Apache Derby Comparisons ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/small_square/small_square_cf27b7c50adc61e4d44c2ef887f29fa3/sqlite.gif "Product Avatar Image") SQLite 4.3/5(262) [ Compare Now ](https://www.g2.com/compare/apache-derby-vs-sqlite) ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/small_square/small_square_240340edca859994ec71e4490aa20022/mysql.png "Product Avatar Image") MySQL 4.4/5(1,682) [ Compare Now ](https://www.g2.com/compare/apache-derby-vs-mysql) ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/small_square/small_square_be7892f62be5fe631662c5cc854eb801/hypersql.png "Product Avatar Image") HyperSQL 4/5(22) [ Compare Now ](https://www.g2.com/compare/apache-derby-vs-hypersql) ##### ##### Apache Derby Features Database Features Storage Availability Stability [ View More Features ](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-derby/features) ## Work at The Apache Software Foundation? 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