What Does Class.forName("oracle.jdbc.driver.OracleDriver") Accomplish While Attempting Database Connectivity?

In the context of establishing a connection with an Oracle database, the command Class.forName("oracle.jdbc.driver.OracleDriver") has a specific purpose. It endeavors to procure a reference to the class object possessing the fully qualified class name oracle.jdbc.driver.OracleDriver.

This particular action, however, has no direct impact on establishing the database connection itself. Instead, it serves to ensure that the designated class is duly loaded by the current classloader. In essence, the execution of Class.forName("oracle.jdbc.driver.OracleDriver") is analogous to invoking Class.forName("java.lang.String").

Traditionally, JDBC employed the Class.forName method to load the necessary driver class prior to commencing a database connection. This approach is now considered outdated as drivers compliant with JDBC 4.0 are automatically loaded upon class path detection. Consequently, invoking Class.forName with pre-JDBC 4.0 drivers is the sole remaining scenario where its usage is required.