Deployment of database on client's computer

Question

I have developed a Windows application in .NET which uses a SQL Server database to store, retrieve and manipulate data and tables through sql queries.

Now I want to know when I would deliver its executable (.exe) file to client then in which form I have to deliver that database so that the application can connect to database.

Should I install complete SQL Server on client's computer?

Please help.

Answer 1

Use the SQL Server Express Edition. Its a somewhat limited but free Edition of the sql server you can use for that.

Answer 2

You can do two things, basically:

• require your clients to have a SQL Server installed already - then it's their job and responsability to make sure they have a SQL Server ready for your app.

or

• you could include the free to use SQL Server Express with your application and send that along with your installation, so that they could install that.

In both cases, you need some way to deliver your database:

• send along a colletcion of SQL scripts to create the database, create the necessary tables and views and stored procedures, and possibly also fill in some static lookup data. For this option, I personally would use a tool like Red-Gate SQL Packager to package up all my SQL scripts into a .NET assembly or executable

or

• deliver a prepared SQL Server .mdf/.ldf file to just attach to SQL Server