newbie question: Do I need SQL Server Express (or Access) installed in order to read database?

Question

Hi, I'm learning to work with ASP.net and am starting to work with databases and have a general question. I already have Access and SQL Server Express 2008 installed on my computer and have no issues adding sample databases to my programs; however, I was wondering if I would be able to open those databases in visual studio if I did not have those programs installed.

Also, if I made a program that was based on an Access or SQL Server database (like say an accounting program), would my users need to have those programs installed? If so, how can I make a program that has an internal database without requiring the users to have those programs?

I know these are very general questions but if you could just give me a few keywords to look up, I would appreciate it. I have a C and C++ background and my SQL background only made as far as creating databases and doing query gymnastics for my database professors so I have no clue how they work in real life.

Answer 1

1.You Need Database to Create any Applications with CRUD(Create,Read,Update,Delete) functions.

2.If Your Application(Published as Installer(.exe)) is Stand-Alone or Only 1(PC/User) will use your Application you need to install Database Server on it.

1. client Server architecture

Answer 2

You can choose SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition - SP1 and above(SQL CE) if you want your database to be able to work without any installation

The "Private File based Deployment" section on this MSDN article describes just how to achieve that.

You can also check out this answer on SO for more details. Though i have never used it so i personally do not know much about it, as per the answer above, SQLLite database is also an option. You could look into that and see if that fits your needs as well.