Which feature was introduced in JDBC 4.0?

JDBC 4.0 introduced several significant features that enhanced the overall functionality and ease of use of the JDBC API. One of the most notable features is automatic driver loading, which eliminates the need for developers to manually load the JDBC driver using Class.forName(). This simplification makes it easier to work with JDBC, especially in modern Java applications.

Another important enhancement in JDBC 4.0 is the improved handling of BLOB (Binary Large Object) and CLOB (Character Large Object) data types. These enhancements make it easier to work with large binary and text data, such as images, videos, and documents, within the database. The API now provides more robust methods for reading, writing, and managing large objects, improving both performance and usability.

Additionally, JDBC 4.0 brought several enhancements to the Connection and Statement interfaces, including better support for SQL XML data and new methods for managing database connections. These improvements make JDBC 4.0 a more powerful and flexible tool for database connectivity in Java, enabling developers to build more efficient and maintainable applications.