Free Database - does such a thing exist?

[Rilez]

I am currently developing a project at home in vb and am trying to find a free database engine to use within it. I have found a couple of c based librarys but am having problems getting these to work within vb. I don't need a pretty front end of anything - just something I can run sql against that preferabily doesn't require a service to be running. I have also considered using XML but would have thought that there would be too much over-head. Any ideas anyone?

 

[abombss]

Don't know if your using .NET or not but here is a project in C# ported from java.

http://www.c-sharpcorner.com/database/SharpHSQL.asp

Otherwise check MySQL. They have an embedded version of their server to be used for exactly this type of stuff. Their api are pretty easy to learn too.

abombss

 

[dualscreen]

MySQL is definitely THE solution if you're looking for something free/cheap. although you might need to read up on it but it only took me about 2-3 days, and my only experience prior to that was MS Access.

 

[abombss]

What about Berkley DB or do you have to process SQL?

 

[Rilez]

Oh thanks for the replies - very useful. My SQL - Didn't realise they did a standalone version, thought it only came as a service, Already have some experience of the service so may be quite easy to learn and if not I learn fast. The c# thing at a quick glance (done dev. work all day, don't really want to start looking at code at 7pm ) looks good too - thanks abombss. I need the ability to add, edit and delete so thought that SQL was the best was round it, what does BerkleyDB do? Sorry I'm not too up to date with dbs to be honest, not had too much exposure to anything non-mainstream.

Thanks again guys (I'm assuming, not being sexist before anyone starts )

 

[abombss]

Berkely DB is another C database layer that is very good and very popular. They have support MS Visual C++ but it might be difficult to build a wrapper to the API in VB.

http://www.sleepycat.com/

Might be a cool project.

abombss

 

[Craig0201]

If it's a small DB, consider using Access files. Small, relational and accessible on any PC with MDAC installed.

Craig

 

[Rilez]

Access really isnt an option. want something that can be secure, fast and has scalability. Dont want people messing with the database themselves. Have considered Access but it would be too problematic imo. Thanks for the idewa though

 

[Craig0201]

Def not Access then!

How about MSDE? Access's big brother, SQL Server's child?

Also free, based upon SQL Server but only allow 5 concurrent connections. With clever connection management, can easily manage 25 users.

Craig

 

[Rilez]

again MSDE is a seperate service - I'm after a non-service based approach. If I were to use a service I'd use mysql. it now looks like mysql do a standalone product of sorts which will work fine. Thanks though craig