How do you create embedded databases?

Answer 1

For ease of use, feature completeness, and simplicity I would highly recommend checking out SQLite: It is in the public domain (not requiring a license), and has good community support. It is used by many major corporations and applications (e.g., Adobe, Applie, Google, Microsoft, GE, Firefox, McAfee, Skype, PHP, etc.). ---- An embedded database is a local data store which is "tightly integrated" to an application. It appears invisible to the end user, and requires no ongoing user maintenance. An embedded database usually refers to a library or API providing data access, instead of the developer writing their own functionality. There are many embedded database to chose from, depending on application requirements and runtime environment. Java/.Net, size, encryption, performance, concurrency, features (e.g., stored procs, SQL language, transactions). Several popular embedded database libraries include: * Firebird Embedded * HSQLDB (Java) * Perst * SQLite * SQL Server Compact * VistaDB NOTE: Excel and Access have historically been used as Embedded databases as well, but your application must ensure that the appropriate libraries/licensed applications are on the computer (Jet ODBC is deprecated and no longer being deployed with Microsoft MDAC). There is also the concern that users may "play" with your data because they can open it with Excel or Access. Most of these databases also include tools (or there are third party tools) for creating an initial data store. This can then be copied or deployed with your project. Your application would then use the API's to access and manipulate this data from your application. You could also include SQL statements for database creation in your application, and generate the database on-the-fly at runtime.