views:

1862

answers:

7

Could you recommend me, please, lightweight SQL database which doesn't require installation on a client computer to work and could be accessed easily from .NET application? Only basic SQL capabilities are needed.

Now I am using Access database in simple projects and distribute .MDB and .EXE files together. Looking for any alternatives.

Thanks!

+14  A: 

Check SQLite, it's a software library that implements a self-contained, serverless, zero-configuration, transactional SQL database engine.

It has many wrappers for .NET

CMS
I am going to try it soon. Thank you!
Alexander Prokofyev
+1  A: 

SQLite will be what you're after

Jarod Elliott
+3  A: 

Howabout SQL Server 3.5/2008 Compact Edition? A neat embedded version of SQL Server.

http://www.microsoft.com/Sqlserver/2008/en/us/compact.aspx

Works pretty nice with .NET, and of course all your regular SQL Server tools and scripts work fine.

stephbu
Tried it today. Unfortunately it doesn't support views as Access JET engine does but thanks anyway.
Alexander Prokofyev
Yeah to get more fullfledged SQL features would require stepping up to Express and much more complex installation.http://download.microsoft.com/download/e/8/8/e8859616-e95d-41fe-9f81-ff88388d772b/SQLServer%202008CompareComapctExpress.pdfHas a detailed comparison of the two products.
stephbu
+2  A: 

SQLite is great.

Also check out Firebird embedded. It might be a better option if multiple users need to access the database in the future.

JAG
A: 

db4o is an embeddable object database. They offer both open source and commercial licenses - downloads. Their .NET version is 100% managed code.

Corbin March
+2  A: 

You could look at VistaDB if you are writing in .NET. It is 100% managed code, contains true referential integrity, tsql stored procs, clr procs, and much more in a single assembly you can xcopy deploy.

VistaDB runs in shared hosting asp.net sites under medium trust, and in active directory domains as guest (no local permissions) as well.

There are no registry or other configuration settings required on the machine you deploy the engine on, and the runtime is royalty free.

32/64 bit support is included in the single assembly. Mixed mode engines with unmanaged code generally require you to ship more than 1 version of the unmanaged code to support 32 and 64 bit, or to recompile for specific CPU targets.

See the Advantages of VistaDB SO thread for more information.

http://www.vistadb.net

Jason Short
+1  A: 

you can use siaqodb - http://siaqodb.com .It is .net embedded database engine, very fast, small footprint, native LINQ query engine, zero config...

sqo