[RESOLVED] Access or SQL?

[weirddemon]

I'm getting ready to create an application that will rely heavily on a database. The database will be used offline and not have more than 600 records. Of course, not all will be accessed at the same time, but I'd like for the records to be pulled up fairly quick.

Alongside most records, there will be an accompanied image.

As I've never used Access or SQL when programming, I'm curious as to what most of you would recommend. I've never used SQL, but I have some experience with Access.

Any information would be appreciated

[techgnome]

one-user, one DB? multi-users, one DB? If multi user, how many people are we talking about hitting the database at the same time? Network? WLAN?

-tg

[weirddemon]

Single user. The database will be deployed with the application and probably within the User Profile.

Also, it will be read-only.

Thanks

[techgnome]

In that case, not sure what version of VB, but if you're going with VB6, then Access, easily.
If you going with .NET, then you can go with either Access, or SQL Server Compact Edition (SQL CE) - just 7 simple DLLs to deploy. Comes with some limitations (no sprocs, and your'e limited to a handful of types) but nothing that can't be dealt with.

-tg

[weirddemon]

I'm using VB .NET. I'm leaning towards SQL Server. Especially if I can just use the compact edition.

If all I'm going to do is retrieving data, the the CE version should work just fine, yes?

[techgnome]

certanly... it's not that hard to work with. Search MSDN for the SQLCE SDK, install it. Then follow the tutorials for it... you can create the DB from inside VS, and use the SQLCEClient namespace in the code.

-tg

[weirddemon]

Great. Thanks