Single-user database options

Question

I'm going to be writing a Windows application using the .NET framework and C#. The application will need to store relational data which will be queried, joined and processed.

Previously I've done this using SQL Server, but that is a total overkill for the application I am now making.

What's the simplest, easiest way to store relational data in my application? If I was on a Mac, I'd be using SQLite. What's the .NET equivalent?

Answer 1

If not sqlserver express, You may want to conisder Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine ( scaled down version of sqlserver) which is free in most cases. or MySQL which is also free. I'prefer mysql.

Answer 2

Why cant you use SQLite? It works on windows. SQLite Quick start.

Also see here for getting it to work with .NET http://web.archive.org/web/20100208133236/http://www.mikeduncan.com/sqlite-on-dotnet-in-3-mins/

So you could use SQLite if you wanted to but perhaps as others have pointed out SQL Express is a better option as you can upgrade to a full server if you need to in the future. Although from what you wrote i don't know if that's likely.

Answer 3

Sqlite is definitely the best option for embedded database for application storage. It is free fast and reliable.

Answer 4

SQLite

Firebird

MySQL Embedded

Answer 5

Sql Server Compact Edition (*.sdf files). Small enough for Smartphones but also available on the full platform. The .net 2 version was called Sql Server Mobile.

Here is a comparison between Compact and Express.