Need a Database for Standalone Applications? SQL Server
Compact 4.0 is the Way to Go
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I have seen many questions floating around on C# Corner and
other forums developers asking about Access database or SQL Server Express
database to provide embedded database support for small applications.
My answer is simple, SQL Server Compact 4.0. Forget MS-Access
and forget SQL Server Express, check out SQL Server
Compact 4.0.
Microsoft SQL Server Compact is a free SQL Server embedded
database ideal for building standalone applications including Windows Client,
Web, and mobile.
As a developer if you are building an application that
target individual standalone machines with small data needs, SQL Server Compact
4.0 is probably the answer. Alternatively, you could use MS-Access and SQL
Server Express versions but Compact is the way to go. The SQL Server Compact
database file can be shipped with the application like any other resource file.
Top Features
- Free to use and distribute
- Supports desktops and mobile devices
- Small footprint for easy deployment
- Fully embeddable architecture
- No administration required
- Single file, code-free database format
- Support for ClickOnce, XCopy, MSI, CAB, and non-admin
embedded installation options
- Supports all Microsoft Windows embedded, mobile, desktop,
and server operating systems
- Supports a rich subset of Transact-SQL syntax and SQL Server
data types
- Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 integration
- Supports ADO.NET, LINQ to SQL, LINQ to Entities, and the
ADO.NET Entity Framework
- Supports multiple concurrent local connections
Download Microsoft SQL Server Compact 4.0 here: http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=17876