Best way to package a database with an application

[Solarion]

I have this demo for a client. I am running SQL as the back end database. What is the best way for him to get the program and simply run it, without having to attach a database and all that rigmarole; SqlExpress?

 

[etienne_marais]

Don't know if it's the best, but we often use SQLite packaged with the application.

 

[deweyzeph]

I have this demo for a client. I am running SQL as the back end database. What is the best way for him to get the program and simply run it, without having to attach a database and all that rigmarole; SqlExpress?

You would need to convert it to a SQL Server Compact database, which is an embedded SQL server database system. Would be the easiest way to do it without actually installing a full instance of SQL Server Express.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=17876

 

[werfie]

Write a routine in your program that creates the database? You will need something like this to update the database in future as well.

 

[Solarion]

You would need to convert it to a SQL Server Compact database, which is an embedded SQL server database system. Would be the easiest way to do it without actually installing a full instance of SQL Server Express.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=17876

Write a routine in your program that creates the database? You will need something like this to update the database in future as well.

Ok I've gone with a combination of both. SQL Server Compact database. Also if they so choose, they can run a procedure to create a SQL Server database proper and all it's tables, insert some default data to get things started.

Was a bit of a mission, had to implement a login form with the database details/user authentication.