Deploying applications using sql server

[aTekTipsUser]

If I want to develop an application that uses sql database files (sql 2005), does the end user need to have sql server installed on their computer? Does microsoft include the sql drivers necessary to connect to sql server database files? If this is possible, what would the connection string look like? Do you need to specify a server?

I was wondering if I could use sql server instead of access to distribute an application to an end user.

Thanks for the help!

 

[SQLSister]

Certainly end users do not need to have SQL Server installed. If you have a web application, then the connection string and the rights you have efined for that user are what you need. (I belive a non-web application would work the same way but it's been years since I dealt with one of those.) As to what the connection string would be specifically, that would depend on what you are using for the user interface as it would have to be written inthat language.

"NOTHING is more important in a database than integrity." ESquared

 

[aTekTipsUser]

When I create the sql connection, I need to enter in a datasource (server). For example "Data Source=.\SQLEXPRESS;AttachDbFilename=C:\Datasource\QualityControl.mdf;Integrated Security=True;Connect Timeout=30;User Instance=True", will the user who does not have sql server or sql express still be able to open up the database? This is a desktop application and they have not sql server or sql server express. What would I put in for the data source if they do not need sql server? I know that sql express is free, but I don't want to make the end user install if they don't need to.

 

[mrdenny]

No, they have to have the database engine installed in order to use the data files.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

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