JDBC vs ODBC: Two widely recognized standards for database connectivity, JDBC is predominantly used in Java applications, while ODBC is designed to be more universal and can connect to various database systems across different platforms. The choice between the two depends on factors such as programming language, specific database systems involved, and performance requirements. ODBC drivers provide a universal interface for applications to connect to different DBMS without needing to write DBMS-specific code, while JDBC drivers translate Java calls into database-specific commands, ensuring communication and data manipulation. Understanding their differences is crucial in making an informed decision that best meets your business needs, whether it's tailored for Java or language-independent and compatible with various programming languages.