MS SQL SERVER or MS SQL SERVER COMPACT?

[KiaKia]

Hi,
I know it is too much but:
concidering that I am a beginner in VB.NET,please let me know what are the main diferences between MS SQL server and MS SQL server compact.
How can I install each of those SQL servers and create a database file.

Thanks,
Kia

 

[mrdenny]

MS SQL Server Compact Edition (SQL CE) is an embedded database which in build into the .NET application and is only accessible from within the .NET application.

MS SQL Server is a stand alone product which is installed separately and can be accessed by any application which is setup to talk to a SQL Server.

Compact Edition supports tables only, and very basic queries only.

The full product supports tables, views, stored procedures, functions, triggers, and queries which can become very complex.

I've written a whole Back To Basics series on my blog which you can find here which covers all the object types in SQL Server.

The full blown SQL Server is installed from the SQL Server DVD. Compact edition can be added to your project from within the IDE.

SQL Server has licensing requirements. SQL CE can be used free of charge.

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)

My Blog