Connecting to sql server database mdf file without installing sql server on client machine?

c# .net sql-server winforms mdf
Shantanu Gupta picture Shantanu Gupta · Jan 13, 2010 · Viewed 36.3k times · Source

I am creating a window application that need to use sql server database. I want to install this application to client machine without installing sql server so that my application can still connect to a database i.e mdf file that i will be providing at client system.

How can i connect to a database(mdf) on client machine through my window application without installing sql server. ? I dont know is it possible or not.

If possible what will be the connection string in that case. Database need not be used in network.

Client mahine dont need any installation. Every thing needs to be run through pen drive

Answer

Remus Rusanu picture Remus Rusanu · Jan 13, 2010

.mdf files are SQL Server database files. No other application can understand, read or update those files. If you need to open and mdf, you need a SQL instance. That instance can be local, can be an Express edition, or can be a remote one, doesn't matter. If your application needs a local SQL instance for it's own use then it can install SQL Server Express Edition when deployed.

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