QUESTION $3$: $(20$ MARKS$)$

$1.$ Define Java Database Connectivity $($JDBC$)$ and outline its significance in connecting Java applications with relational databases. $(3$ Marks$)$

$2.$ Describe the process of connecting to a database and executing an SQL query using JDBC$.$ List each step, from loading the driver to closing the connection. $(4$ Marks$)$

$3.$ What is a PreparedStatement in JDBC$,$ and how does it differ from a standard Statement object? Explain how PreparedStatement helps mitigate SQL injection risks. $(4$ Marks$)$

$4.$ Imagine you have a students table in a database. Detail how you would use JDBC$\text{'}$s ResultSet and ResultSetMetaData classes to retrieve and display information about each student. $(5$ Marks$)$

$5.$ Propose a solution for efficiently executing a stored procedure from a Java application using JDBC$.$ Include an example scenario where stored procedures can optimize database operations. $(4$ Marks$)$