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HSQLDB - 100% Java Database

HyperSQL 2.0 is released

Version 2.0 supports the widest range of SQL Standard features seen in any open source database engine. We have reached SQL Standard conformance to almost full SQL-1992 Advanced Level and SQL:2008 core language features plus an extensive list of SQL:2008 optional features and many extensions.

Version 2.0 is fully multithreaded and supports high performance 2PL and MVCC transaction control models. See the list of new features in version 2.0.

Download the full GA package from the file download page. Please use the latest bugfix jars compiled for JRE 1.5 and 1.6 available from the support page.

HSQLDB 1.8

HSQLDB 1.8 has been out for nearly 5 years and is distributed with many open-source and commercial products. It is also the database engine in OpenOffice.org 3.2, used on millions of desktops around the world. We continue to release stable bug-fix versions of 1.8.

The database performance test package PolePosition measures the speed of HSQLDB 1.8.0 compared to some other database engines. This graph is for a test in which HSQLDB (blue line) is over 10 times faster than comparable products (image from test results published on PolePosition web site). PolePosition tests demonstrate how a persistent memory database outperforms traditional solutions by an order of magnitude.


HSQLDB (HyperSQL DataBase) is the leading SQL relational database engine written in Java. It has a JDBC driver and supports nearly full ANSI-92 SQL (BNF format) plus many SQL:2008 enhancements. It offers a small, fast multithreaded and transactional database engine which offers in-memory and disk-based tables and supports embedded and server modes. Additionally, it includes tools such as a command line SQL tool and GUI query tools.

The product is currently being used as a database and persistence engine in many Open Source Software projects and in commercial projects and products. In its current supported versions it is extremely stable and reliable. It is best known for its small size, ability to execute completely in memory, its flexibility and speed.

This feature-packed software is completely free to use and distribute under our licenses , based on the standard BSD license. Completely free of cost or restrictions and fully compatible with all major open source licenses. Java source code and extensive documentation included.

Our group was formed in 2001 to continue the closed Hypersonic SQL Project. We have actively developed and released 9 new versions of the database since April 2001. Current code has little in common with the Hypersonic SQL original. The latest version features the most extensive set of SQL features ever in an open-srouce database engine. The project enjoys a high ranking among all SourceForge projects, over 1,200,000 direct downloads, and hundreds of millions of copies distributed as part of other software packages.

HSQLDB SupportWare

HSQLDB is Java developers' best choice for development, testing and deployment of database applications. The latest version 2.0 has the widest range of SQL standard features available in any open-source product.

We have maintained our leading position through continuous enhancements. HSQLDB SupportWare provides funding for this effort.

HSQLDB SupportWare allows individual developers and organizations to support the maintenance and development of HSQLDB.

Participation in the program is by annual subscription or sponsorship.

details on SupportWare page

SupportWare Subscription

Developer subscription - $100 or €80
Corporate subscription - $400 - $1000 or €320 - €800
Sponsorship subscription - from $2000 or €1600

details on SupportWare page

How SupportWare works

The more subscriptions and sponsorships, the more development and new features.

The wishes of the SupportWare participants will be taken into account in the development effort.

details on SupportWare page

How to join

Please subscribe now to support further development of version 2.0.

details on SupportWare page

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This page last updated 22 July 2010
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