====== getInstance ======
{#JAPI Joomla.Framework Database JDatabase::getInstance #}

Returns a reference to the global Database object, only creating it if it doesn't already exist.

===== Syntax =====
[[JDatabase|JDatabase]] &getInstance ( **$option** )

| **$option** | array | contains the parameters to be passed to the database driver.  The database driver is specified by the **$option['driver']** parameter and if omitted defaults to 'mysql'. |

To connect to the Joomla! database you should not call this method directly.  Instead use the  [[references:joomla.framework:jfactory|JFactory]] class as follows:
<code php|Getting a reference to the Joomla! database object>
<?php
$db = & JFactory::getDBO();
?>
</code>

----

~~DISCUSSION~~