# Running ij

The Derby `ij` tool is a JDBC tool that you can use to run scripts or interactive queries against a Derby database.

- Choose the method that you can use to run the `ij` script:

  Method | When to Use | Command
  --- | --- | ---
  Run `ij` as a standalone command. | Use this method if you are relatively new to the Java programming language and new to Derby. | You must set your environment variables before you can run the `ij` tool using this method. To run the `ij` script from the command line use:
      ij
  You must add the DERBY_HOME/bin directory in your PATH environment variable before you can run the `ij` tool. The `ij` script sets up the environment variables like CLASSPATH and starts the `ij` tool.
  Run `ij` using the jar file that is located in the directory where `ij` resides. | Use this method if you are new to Derby, but are familiar with the Java programming language. | You must set the DERBY_HOME environment variable before you can run the `ij` tool using this method. On UNIX, the command is:
      java -jar $DERBY_HOME/lib/derbyrun.jar ij
  On Windows, the command is:
      java -jar %DERBY_HOME%\lib\derbyrun.jar ij
  Run `ij` using the `java` command. | Use this method if you are familiar with both the Java programming language and Derby, and you have already set the `java.exe` file in your command execution PATH. | You must set your CLASSPATH. Use the steps specified in Manually setting the CLASSPATH environment variable. Then specify the class name in the `java` command. For example:
      java org.apache.derby.tools.ij

- When you are ready to leave the `ij` tool, type:

      ij> exit;

See the Derby Tools and Utilities Guide for more information about the `ij` tool.
Parent topic: Using the Derby tools and startup utilities