Compatibility with the ESRI ArcSDE Java API
The spatial Java™ API is compatible with the ESRI ArcSDE Java API. It provides a partial implementation of the same set of OGC (Open GISConsortium) interfaces.
Depending on the needs of your application, you can develop a program by using the spatial Java API and later install ArcSDE. You can then use its Java API to take advantage of its enhanced spatial functionality. The ESRI Java API is integrated with the ESRI ArcSDE software, whereas the spatial Java API does not implement that functionality.