# Quickstart

Embedding H2 in an Application
The H2 Console Application

## Embedding H2 in an Application

This database can be used in embedded mode, or in server mode. To use it in embedded mode, you need to:

- Add the `h2*.jar` to the classpath (H2 does not have any dependencies)
- Use the JDBC driver class: `org.h2.Driver`
- The database URL `jdbc:h2:~/test` opens the database 'test' in your user home directory
- A new database is automatically created

## The H2 Console Application

The Console lets you access a SQL database using a browser interface.
If you don't have Windows XP, or if something does not work as expected, please see the detailed description in the Tutorial.

### Step-by-Step

#### Installation

Install the software using the Windows Installer (if you did not yet do that).

#### Start the Console

Click [Start], [All Programs], [H2], and [H2 Console (Command Line)]:
A new console window appears:
Also, a new browser page should open with the URL http://localhost:8082. You may get a security warning from the firewall. If you don't want other computers in the network to access the database on your machine, you can let the firewall block these connections. Only local connections are required at this time.

#### Login

Select [Generic H2] and click [Connect]:
You are now logged in.

#### Sample

Click on the [Sample SQL Script]:
The SQL commands appear in the command area.

#### Execute

Click [Run]
On the left side, a new entry TEST is added below the database icon. The operations and results of the statements are shown below the script.

#### Disconnect

Click on [Disconnect]:
to close the connection.

#### End

Close the console window. For more information, see the Tutorial.