Get Started

You want to start using Firebird or just take it for a test-drive, but don"t know where to start? This guide will point you to all the resources you need to install Firebird and start using it in no-time.

What is Firebird

Firebird is a powerful, open-source relational database system, with high performance and extensive support for powerful SQL features with close adherence to the SQL standards. Whether you"re developing a small program or a large enterprise information system, Firebird is the database for you. Take a look at the Case Studies to get an impression of other people using Firebird.

For more information on Firebird and its features, go to the About Firebird section.

Downloading and Installing

Firebird is available for a large number of platforms, including Windows, Linux and MacOS X. You can get the installer for your platform at the download area of this site. Firebird is also available in the package manager of many Linux distributions.

Firebird comes in a number of flavors: Classic, SuperClassic and SuperServer. If you are unsure which version to download or install, make sure you consult "Firebird 2.5 Quick Start Guide: Classic, SuperClassic or Superserver?". For the installation itself, the "Firebird 2.5 Quick Start Guide: Installing Firebird" provides a good starting point.

More InformationYou may find the basic information describing the key points of Firebird in the "Get to Know Firebird in 2 minutes" and "Firebird Facts" white papers. It"s also worth looking at the "Firebird in the Enterprise" white paper.

For a more detailed information, the "Firebird 2.5 Quick Start Guide" is a good introduction to the configuration and management of Firebird, administration of users and database, and connecting and using databases. More in-depth documentation and reference manuals on Firebird are available from the documentation section.

Administration Tools

Firebird comes with a number of powerful command-line tools to administer the database, but does not include a GUI interface. Fortunately, third-party GUI administration tools are available.

Getting Support

Still stuck, more questions or just want to participate in the Firebird community? Join our mailing-lists or contact any of the authorized professional support companies.

推薦閱讀：

相关文章