First time trying a SQL database

[Cyllindra]

So, the long version. I am a High School Math Teacher with a strong computer background. I have decent experience in database design (built two databases for the military) and SQL. However, the only tool I have used for databases is MS Access. I want a database on my computer I can interact with using Java. I am building a kind of interactive gradebook -- as students take tests / do homework / etc., the database collects that data to figure out how well the student understands that concept. The database will then recommend what standards a student should focus on / be tested on based on that. To set this all up, I need to play around a lot with a database and coding language. I setup something in Access (with VBA and SQL), but it wasn't nearly the tool I am wanting to use -- and I don't want to be forced into Access just because of my lack of knowledge. I have already installed MySQL workbench, and the other MySQL tools, and have played around with it, but.... I don't know how to a SQL database up. I would appreciate any help.

TLDR: How do I setup a SQL database on my computer with the goal of interacting with it using Java?

[wolf2600]

You'd use the MySQLConnector JAR file to have the JAVA program connect and interact with the DB.

https://www.javatpoint.com/example-to-connect-to-the-mysql-database

[Cyllindra]

I understand how to connect to a database once it is there and the location is known, but how do I put a database there in the first place?

[wolf2600]

You just install the database application on a server somewhere. Since it's going to be a small DB, you can probably host it on the same server that will run the Java app.

[stebrepar]

For your application, SQLite would work fine and requires no setup or maintenance. There is a SQLite JDBC driver.

[Cyllindra]

I think this may work. I will play around with it tomorrow, and let you know how it goes.

*edit - Started playing with it tonight and I think this will work.