A system and method for marshaling database data from a native interface layer, to a Java layer, using a linear array. In accordance with an embodiment, a request is received from a software application to query or access data stored at the database. At a database driver native interface layer, the system obtains cell data from the database, determines cell coordinates and a cell metadata, and linearizes the cell data if required. The linearized data is then flushed to a linear byte array in the database driver presentation layer, and the cell coordinates and cell metadata are provided for use by a compact data handler and the application in accessing the data.