Embedded Database...Easy To Distribute

[gharabed]

I'm wondering if I could get some advice. Is there any "small"/embedded SQL based database that I can include in an application that I develop that is easily distributable? That is that builds/compiles as part of the solution and is embedded in the application itself? I don't want to have to go through having the user install a separate piece of software and set up the database as a separate step of the base software installation.

Any recommendations are appreciated.

Thanks,
Greg

 

[RiverGuy]

Here are some options on zero installation databases (other than the references you include in your application), based on some databases I have tested:

SQL Server Compact Edition. Similar to SQL Server, although the functionality is scaled back and the last time I checked you couldn't do things such as create views or stored procedures. The link is for the 2005 version, although there may be a 2008 version. Free

SQLite (.Net driver version) Somewhat different in that it's not really strongly typed. However, SQLite is very popular. Free

VistaDB It's a database engine written in .Net I believe and can use much T-SQL syntax. I would consider it more functionally complete than SQL Compact, but it does cost $$.