.net newbie

[CIMTEET]

I am creating some inventory tracking software. simple but the problem is if I wanted to install this on another computer that doesn't have the same database software, what are my options. I really don't want flat file and I would like to package this thing in one deployment. IS there any free database freeware out there that is robust and I can legally use?

Thanks

 

[mmilan]

Depends what you're looking for...

If you're looking for a database server, look at Postgresql. If not, and a file based system is what you're looking for, try SQLite.

Google should find either.

Martin

 

[RiverGuy]

Microsoft touts SQL Server Express for obvious reasons. It usually even ships with Visual Studio, and Microsoft makes it easy to include it in your application installation.

However, if this is a lightweight application, then you should also look at SQL Server Compact Edition and SQLite as Martin suggested. These two databases don't install server services on the PC--so you won't have a database server running when your application is not being used. The downside to them is that they do lack some functionality compared to a SQL Server.