# Database connection URL

You must use a database connection URL when using the Derby-provided embedded driver to connect to a database.

The format for the database connection URL for connecting to a database is:

    jdbc:derby:databaseName;URLAttributes

where:

- `databaseName`

  The name of the database that you want to connect to

- `URLAttributes`

  One or more of the supported attributes of the database connection URL, such as `;territory=ll_CC` or `;create=true`.

  For more information, see the Java DB Developer's Guide.

For the network client driver that is provided by Derby, the format for the database connection URL for connecting to a database is this:

    jdbc:derby://server[:port]/databaseName[;URLAttributes=value[;...]]

where the `server` and `port` specify the host name (or IP address) and port number where the server is listening for requests and `databaseName` is the name of the database you want to connect to. The `URLAttributes` can be either Derby embedded or network client attributes. See the Java DB Server and Administration Guide for more information on accessing the Network Server by using the network client.
Parent topic: Quick start guide for experienced JDBC users