Steps

To make XWiki use an HSQLDB server running as a separate process, instead of the embedded database and with the same limitations:

1. Verify that the major version of the hsqldb*.jar on XWiki's classpath matches the major version of the remote HSQLDB server.
2. Configure and start the remote HSQLDB server by following the official HyperSQL documentation: HyperSQL User Guide - Running and Using HyperSQL.
3. In WEB-INF/hibernate.cfg.xml, replace the jdbc:hsqldb:file:... connection URL with a remote server URL. Replace HOSTNAME, PORT, and dbname with the host, port, and database name configured on the HSQLDB server. For example:

   <property name="hibernate.connection.url">jdbc:hsqldb:hsql://HOSTNAME:PORT/dbname</property>

4. Start or restart XWiki.
5. Verify that XWiki starts and that its tables have been created on the remote server, for example by listing them with an HSQLDB client such as DatabaseManagerSwing.

FAQ

What is the default HSQLDB server port?

The default HSQLDB server port is 9001.

Can XWiki and the HSQLDB server run on different hosts?

Yes. Use the remote host name in the connection URL and make sure the HSQLDB port is reachable from the XWiki server.