Embedded SQL Server
In the current CTP downloads for SQL Server 2014 one of the things you can download is a very lightweight version of SQL Server targeted at special implementations where a relational database is desired, but management of the database outside of your application is not optimal. This version is called LocalDB or SqlLocalDB.
From the Microsoft CTP Download page description:
“LocalDB is a lightweight version of Express that has all its programmability features, yet runs in user mode and has a fast, zero-configuration installation and short list of pre-requisites. Use this if you need a simple way to create and work with databases from code. It can be bundled with Application and Database Development tools like Visual Studio and or embedded with an application that needs local databases.”
Now you have a small footprint SQL Server option to other choices such as MySQL or MS Access Jet. Your code can completely wrap the database engine. This means the user doesn’t need administrative privileges to use the database portion of your application. In fact, they may not even be aware that your application is using an SQL Server engine at all.
I need to download it and see how it functions in comparison to other SQL Server versions. I’m not sure if it shows up in the Windows services, or if it runs in the process in which it is embedded.
Well, take a look if this capability fits your requirements and let us know what you find by dropping an email to btaylor@sswug.org. Don’t forget, you can always submit articles for SSWUG as well.
Cheers,
Ben