how to open sdf (sql server compact edition) file?

Question

I have an SDF file and I would like to retrieve its schema and query it with some UI. How can I do this? I have no Visual Studio installed on the machine and I would like to install as little software as possible.

Answer 1

Try the sql server management studio from Microsoft. Download it from here. Not sure about the license, but it seems to be free.

If you have the option you can copy the sdf file to a different machine which you are allowed to pollute with additional software.

Answer 2

Hi

You can query the Information Schema to get names of tables and columns. See here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms174156%28SQL.90%29.aspx

Answer 3

Try [SDF Viewer][1]

[1]: http://www.flyhoward.com/SDF_Viewer.aspx the schema is displayed for each table and SQL queries can be quickly generated and run.