[RESOLVED] Creating database from vb.net and which DB to use?

[dlscott56]

I'm working on an application that retrieves data from a remote MS SQL database and need to store some of the information locally for offline retrieval of information later on. Would a local Access database be the best way to handle this?

Also, where can I find information on creating the database in code?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[techgnome]

Access would be one way, a local SQL Server (SQL Express) would be another, could also use SQL Compact Edition (SQL CE).

In the case of Access though, you can't "just create a database" ... you would need to use an existing Access database file, which you could copy, then create tables in it. In that case, I would make an Access database and go ahead and put all the tables in it, then wouldn't have to muss with it later. Then add it as a resource to the app. then when I need to extract it from the resources, save it to the HD, open it, and start plugging data into it.

-tg

[sapator]

I would go for SQL Express.
You would just re-create your db, have it cleared and you're set.

[dlscott56]

Thanks techgnome and sapator. I'm going to be messing around with the Access method first, since I already have it installed on this machine, and will look at SQL Express as well.

As far as installing this application on a number of machines, will I have to install Access or SQL Express separately or can this be done through the installation of the application?

[GaryMazzone]

Access would not be need to be installed on any machine, you just supply the access database that you will you. The user will never access the database directly only though ypur application. As for SQL Express yes that will have to be installed on the machine. You can include it as a pre-req so that during install it will be installed on the machine if it is not there.

[dlscott56]

Thanks Gary. I have a lot of testing and learning to do!