which database applications can create standalone databases?

[aspire]

I would like to create a database, but with in mind that it should run on a standalone PC.
So I should have access to the data locally, without the need to have a connection to internet or any kind of server.
Finally I would like to distribute it on CD/DVD, but don’t want to force users to have some special software on the Computer before they can use the database I created. (Like Acces)

Some self-installing program / viewer that comes together with the database I put on the CD/DVD , is of course acceptable.
So finally I would like to have a standalone application to be used on a pc.

Sorry for the bad English, but I’m from the Netherlands… (Sorry for that too ;))

I’m a novice, so what DB program and software for access to it on a desktop, do you advise?

Thanks,

[Hobson]

If you could describe a little bit more the structure of this database (ie kind of data structures stored in database, relations between them), it would be more helpful to give you a better piece of advice.

You say that you need database which works in not distributed enviroment. If structure of data stored in it is simple enough (1 or 2 kins of structures, or more if not related each with another), you could use flat file database (with file format made by yourself), or simple XML database.

Hob

[Krzemo]

I would like to create a database, but with in mind that it should run on a standalone PC. You are looking for "embeded database". Search for it in google, there are many links about it.
Take a look at Microsoft SQL 2005 express edition also - it is for free and it is embeded.
Look also at this link (firebird database):
http://www.firebirdsql.org/

And so many others that can be found in google....

You can also use dBase,bTrieve or access files ... or flat file system developed by yourself.

Best regards,
Krzemo.

[NigelQ]

Aspire,

You can use the engines behind the Access and SQL Server databases for your needs.

Unless you specifically need something that is SQL Server specific, I suggest using the Access database engine. This is called the "Microsoft Jet 4.0 Engine".

This can be freely installed on client machines, and you simply need to send your database .mdb file along with your application.

You can modify the .mdb database file yourself during development using Access before sending the .mdb file with your application if this is what you are looking to do.

For completeness, the other alternative I was suggesting (which you probably don't need) is the MSDE, or Microsoft Database Engine. This too is freely distributable and available also from Microsoft.

If you are new to databases, I would strongly recommend against using the 'Microsoft SQL 2005 express edition' as earlier suggested,

Hope this helps,

- Nigel

[Krzemo]

NigelQ:
If you are new to databases, I would strongly recommend against using the 'Microsoft SQL 2005 express edition' as earlier suggested,

U advise to use MDSE and in the same time discourage aspire from using 'Microsoft SQL 2005 express edition' :confused: .. Why:eek: ?

MSDE and express edition are both Microsoft SQL engines. Only difference is (except the fact that second one is newer and better) that the second one can be embeded in application- so no need for setup (which in case of MSDE is not so easy task for beginner)

Have U any expirience with 'Microsoft SQL 2005 express edition' ?
Have U ever try to embed :confused: MSDE?

[NigelQ]

I did not advise using MSDE if you read my reply carefully. I simply explained what it was (to provide a full and complete reply).

The 2005 version is very new, and for a beginner, there are very few examples available to use and learn from.

There are many examples of using the Jet (or Access) type databases around.

So, to clarify, I recommend NOT using the 2005 express edition and also MSDE to aspire.

Hope this helps,

- Nigel

[aspire]

To give you a rough idea:
What I’m intend to do is something like a combobox that changes upon the result of the previous combobox, and then the last combobox shows what is available. (and one operating system (windows) is enough.)

So I need some data base to create the fields and a program for making the combobox...

Remember it should work on a standalone PC..... There is no need for the end-user to add data.

Which software do you advise?

[NigelQ]

Aspire,

Again, Access will work for you in this case.

You can develop your database using Access if you like, (useful front-end for testing/developing) then on your client's machines, you just need to install the latest Jet engine (free) from Microsoft to use the database.

The .mdb file you create with access can simply be sent along with your application.

The client does not need Access to be installed, just the Jet engine. If they have Access already, then there is no problem either.

Hope this helps,

- Nigel

[erickwidya]

...but don’t want to force users to have some special software on the Computer before they can use the database I created so u not need Access or stuff like that..make ur own dbase-.txt based

What I’m intend to do is something like a combobox that changes upon the result of the previous combobox, and then the last combobox shows what is available. (and one operating system (windows) is enough.) not quite understand..but if u wish to do so..maybe u can try to save the value to/from registry (if not involved much data manipulation)

[Krzemo]

NigelQ:
I did not advise using MSDE if you read my reply carefully. I've red it carefully:
the other alternative I was suggesting ... is the MSDE, or Microsoft Database Engine... and again it looks like U advise it :rolleyes: .

The 2005 version is very new, and for a beginner, there are very few examples available to use and learn from.
As far as SQL is concern it is almost 100% backward compatibile with Microsoft SQL 2000, so U have plenty of examples for it. What is very new (and great) in this new version is the ability to embed SQL engine into application, so datafile could be sended the same way as Access (*.mdb) file.

I think, since U didn't try it and cannot speak from your own expirience, you shouldn't advise/disadvise something U simply don't know;) .


aspire:
There is no need for the end-user to add data.Than it is no need for database solution (I agree here with erickwidya). Simple XML (or something else) would be enough.
In case of XML U can do some extensive query using XPATH and I think it is the simplest (but still very powerful) solution 4U.


Best regards,
Krzemo.

[GraphiXtreme]

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but I have a similar interest...

I need to create a standalone database or application. What I have is a pricing spreadsheet created in Excel (multiple sheets) using validation dropdowns, lookup functions and some simple macro stuff. What I have been searching for is a conversion program that will take the .XLS file and create a standalone EXE or similar. After reading this thread, it may be that I can recreate it in Access and simply provide the JET engine along with the MDB file - is this all that is required?

I know Excel and Access fairly well, but don't claim to be a programmer at all. I also have Visual Basic.net, but haven't even hardly looked at it yet.

So, given that I want a standalone database or application requiring NO specific program like Access to operate, all I need is the MDB file and the JET engine, correct? Also, do I need Access Developer or can I use garden-variety Access (like comes with Office Professional).

Thanks for any advice you can offer!

[NigelQ]

all I need is the MDB file and the JET engine, correct?

Correct

Also, do I need Access Developer or can I use garden-variety Access (like comes with Office Professional).

Garden variety, a little water and sunshine is all you need!

Thanks for any advice you can offer!

Hope this helps,

- Nigel

[GraphiXtreme]

Thank you. Just curious, why do I see products that "package" the Access database for runtime and are like $400? I looked on MS site, and can only find updates for JET, why can't I seem to find the full file for distribution? I found a neat tool in WinXP called Iexpress.exe that will "package" files for you as well. I'm sure you all know this, I just stumbled across it.

[NigelQ]

Microsoft never made it [i]really[/] easy to download the Jet Engine, they would rather everyone buy Access and install that (which includes Jet).

I'm not sure if the Jet Service Pack 8 download that seems to be the latest thing they are pushing is simply a service pack, or contains all of the Jet components needed (possibly).

Certainly the MDAC 2.5 install had the entire Jet engine installed with it (with several other unnecessary things). MDAC 2.6 and later do not.

I'm sure folks will try to sell you installable versions of the Jet engine for $400 if they can, but it's free.

If you buy (or have) InstallShield, there is a Jet Engine module you can select to be installed with your application installers (there seems to be a new Express version for a little over $400 available which includes this and a bunch of other stuff).

I'm not familiar with Iexpress.

Hope this helps,

- Nigel

[GraphiXtreme]

Okay, dumb questions follow. I want to take this Excel spreadsheet I've got and transfer it into Access. I know it isn't a simple clickity click and there it is. What I am looking for (since it's been a while since I've programmed in Access) is a function similar to Excel's LOOKUP function. What I have is an input cell (size) that is then used by another worksheet that has two columns. In one column is size and the other price. The LOOKUP takes the value from the input cell, compares that value in the first column (size) and puts the corresponding price of the adjacent column into an output cell. I then take this output value and perform some fairly simple math to it. What do I need to do in order to create similar functionality in Access?

[NigelQ]

There's no such thing as a dumb question...

This can be done using the WHERE clause of a select statement, as in:

SELECT Price FROM tblPrices WHERE Size = S;

Price is the price column in your second sheet (table within Access)
tblPrices is the name of this second table containing sizes/prices.

In the select statement, 'S' is the size you want to look up.

This can be done programmatically, or if you are using the form design wizard in Access, the wizards in there can perform this kind of lookup for you.

Hope this helps,

- Nigel