Offline application - database

Question

I have a problem with in choosing a database for desktop applications. The application will work offline, and require a relational database.

My first idea was to create a strong typed dataset and keeping data in xml. But this is not a safe option.

The second idea is to place the SQL Express on computer, but it will be a exhausting.

Which option should I use? Maybe you have other ideas?

Nothing wrong with Express either, for that matter. SQLite, Compact, Express- all viable options. But you need to define 'safe'. Depending on what you mean, arguably none of them is safe. — peterG, Jan 21 '13 at 12:55

score 5 · Accepted Answer · edited May 23 '17 at 12:27

5

You can either use SQLite with SQLite-NET or SQL Server Compact Edition for an offline database.

Quick edit: here and here is a comparison of SQL Server CE vs SQLite.

edited May 23 '17 at 12:27

Community

answered Jan 21 '13 at 12:49

Patryk Ćwiek

Ill use SQL Server CE. "has good tools support in Visual Studio 2010 - has a smooth migration path to SQL Server" Thank you – VoonArt Jan 21 '13 at 12:56
@VoonArt No problem. SQL Server CE is stripped down version of SQL Server, so it *probably* has better integration. On the other hand, SQLite is the only embedded DB that works in WinRT apps - and that's where I used it. Anyway, I'm glad you made up your mind and that I could point you in the right direction. :) – Patryk Ćwiek Jan 21 '13 at 12:58

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Jan 21 '13 at 12:48

1

You should use standard *.mdf in-file-database with EF using LINQ. Client won't need anything other than .NET installed on his machine.

answered Jan 21 '13 at 12:48

Stan

2 Answers2