JDBC or ODBC

[jd9027]

Hi

I am a newbie trying to hire a programmer to develop a database solution.

I prefer using Filemaker over other databases including MySQL.

I have seen that Filemaker is compliant with ODBC and JDBC but does not clearly know what it means.

Does it mean I can ask the developer to develop an application using Java and make it communicate with my filemaker tables.

Which one is better or easier to use on a mac? JDBC or ODBC?

I want to be able to create filemaker databases using my mac but also be able to use them on windows.

If I ask the developer to create the application using JAVA, can I create databases in mac and distribute them on windows? Will I still need the developer version of Filemaker?

I might in the near future upgrade my computer to a server using OS X server. Considering this, would JDBC be a better option?

Thanks

John