SQL but without SQL

[RuntimeTerror]

Want to create a small app for CRM type work, but the problem is that I intend to give it to a couple of pals who do not have SQL on their boxes. What is the best way to get this to work, meaning that I would have data access going on, but I dont think my friends should have to spend hundreds of dollars on SQL server to use my app. Thanks.

Oh, and if the question is not clear, sorry, but I am having a brain fart day. Cheers.

 

[JohnH]

SQL Server Express Edition 2005 is free, it's well integrated into Visual Basic 2005 Express, which is also free. For .Net old there is MSDE 2000 (Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine 2000), perhaps it even work with SQLX 2005?

There exist other free databases too, Oracle have an Express, MySql have a free edition.

You can also make programs without external database engine that store data in files, this is the most common type of applications.

 

[RuntimeTerror]

how then would I do this? does the end user install the dataEngine onto their box, or what? What is the easiest way to setup a db during install without the user having to do anything?

 

[giadich]

other options to consider: access db, xml, excel...

 

[Arg81]

how then would I do this? does the end user install the dataEngine onto their box, or what? What is the easiest way to setup a db during install without the user having to do anything?

No you download the Express onto your development box. It then integrates into your application(s).

As soon as you move it onto a production PC, then all they require is the .net framework.


I notice you are on .net 1.1 - I'd recommend you either upgrade to VS2005, or use the free VS2005 Express to create your apps.

The functionality of .net 2.0 is much more better, and to be honest, you'd get more support and help off users here - someone correct me if I'm wrong, I don't think we have a big base of .net 1.1 users! (my apps originally were in .net 1.1, I then recreated them last year into .net 2.0 - I can do so much more now than what I could then!!)


Another alternative is to use Access and embed an access DB into your application. There's always debates going on over this, but personally (that means my opinion!!!) if I'm using VS2005 and I'm creating standalone applications, I just use SQL Server Express.