Requirements for using an SQL database in a program

Question

I experimented with writing applications using a local SQL database to store data. I use Visual Studio to create Windows Forms applications and then connect them to a database and use LINQ to SQL to transfer data to and from the database. My question is when I deploy this program on the target machine, what requirements should this machine have? Do I need to have SQL Server?

Answer 1

If the database must be local, there may be some requirements. It depends on which version of SQL Server you plan to run. SQL Server Express Edition (this replaces MSDE) is free, but will need to be installed. Another important option is SQL Server Compact Edition (SQL CE). This version does not require installation, but it has reduced features. Check this one out for a better understanding of the various types of SQL Server. There are several links to additional information about specific releases.

Answer 2

Yes, the target computer must have SQL Server installed or be able to connect to SQL Server on the network.
Your application should request login credentials and use them to connect to this server.

The client can also use the free MSDE if your application is not demanding.

Answer 3

Yes, the target machine will need to install a local database engine or have network access to a centralized database server. If you want a fully autonomous deployment system, you will need to deploy the database engine with your application, in which case SQL Server will not be your best solution. You will need something like VistaDB, Microsoft Jet, Apache Derby or BerkeleyDB.

Answer 4

Deploying an application that uses the SQL Server database on the target computer is not a trivial task. Depending on how automated the installation system is, you will need to not only install the application, but also an instance of SQL Server (usually using SQL Server Express), and then configure the database on that instance of SQL Server. Then, of course, there are options that you most likely will have to support (for example, setting up a database on a local computer or on a network server without installing SQL Server Express).

SQL Server Compact Edition may be better suited to your application - only you know that for sure. If you are interested in SQL CE, you can check out this blog post regarding LINQ to SQL and SQL CE.