🔍 Lost and Found Database Application

A lightweight Java-based management system designed to track and organize lost and found items. This project utilizes JDBC (Java Database Connectivity) to interface with a MySQL backend, providing a structured way to store, retrieve, and manage item records.

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🛠️ Tech Stack

• Language: Java (JDK 8+)
• Database: MySQL
• Driver: MySQL Connector/J
• Environment: CLI (Command Line Interface) / IDE (IntelliJ/Eclipse)

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📂 Project Structure

File	Description
LostFoundDB.sql	The database script containing table schemas and initial data.
LostFoundDBApp.java	The main Java application logic and database connection bridge.

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🚀 Getting Started

Follow these steps to set up the project on your local machine.

1. Database Configuration

1. Open your MySQL Workbench or Terminal.
2. Create a new database:

   CREATE DATABASE LostFoundDB;
   

Import the schema

• In the terminal: mysql -u root -p LostFoundDB < LostFoundDB.sql
• Or simply copy the contents of LostFoundDB.sql and run them in your SQL editor.

2. Java Setup

1. Download the MySQL Connector/J JAR file.
2. Open LostFoundDBApp.java and update the connection string with your MySQL credentials:

   private static final String URL = "jdbc:mysql://localhost:3306/LostFoundDB";
   private static final String USER = "your_username";
   private static final String PASS = "your_password";
   

3. Compilation & Execution

Via Command Line:

# Compile
javac -cp ".;mysql-connector-java.jar" LostFoundDBApp.java

# Run
java -cp ".;mysql-connector-java.jar" LostFoundDBApp

• (Note: Use : instead of ; in the classpath if you are on macOS or Linux.)

📋 Features

• Add New Records: Log items with descriptions, dates, and locations.
• Database Persistence: Data is stored permanently in a relational database.
• Status Management: Easily differentiate between "Lost" and "Found" statuses.
• Querying: Search for specific items within the database.

📝 Usage Example

Upon running the application, you will be prompted to:

• Report a Lost Item: Input the name and description.
• Report a Found Item: Input the location where it was discovered.
• View All Items: Display a table of all current entries in the system.

📄 License

This project is for educational purposes and is open-source.