I am wondering what the consensus is on choosing a database solution for a windows forms application when developing for the following criteria:
1. For applications that need to be deployed with their database on target computers (nothing complicated like oracle or ms SQL).
2. small amounts of data...( say...less than 500 mb of data [basically only need to persist small amounts of data between application executions ])
What kinds of storage media are easiest to develop and deploy
Is it best to use something like access, dbase, an xml file, or something else
Thanks

Best database choice?
sweetcheeks
So you recommend when working with firebird (in my case), to use Access' interface to design my databse...then import to FireBird And then use SQLManager.net to make changes to my schema from there on out
What i'm getting at is ... What do i use to create tables, alter tables, stored procedures, etc... I don't have to do it programatically do i Or does SQLManager allow me to do that
I'm looking for an equivalent to MS SQL Enterprise Manager to maintain my firebird databases. If it is difficult to maintain my database, i'd almost prefer the interface that access profides...even if it isn't hardly similar to MS SQL.
thanks,
JP
Basils
Firebird is an excellent choice. Let's say you want to have a 'lite' version and a 'pro' version due to the size of the data - you should be thinking about this. You could use firebird in the lite scenario and sql server express in the 'pro' scenario. Firebird is very easy to use as an embedded db - no need for a server and if you chose Firebird over Access you can have more commonality between the two providers while Access will require a much different interface. Firebird has SP's and there a number of tools that work with Firebird (SqlManager.net). My suggestion is you create your db in Access and then import into Firebird. Good luck.
Robert Shurbet
Hi,
If this is your scenario, then I would definitely choose Acces (MDB). This is beacause its light and the most important, relational. xml file tend to be slow when your data reaches 500 mb.
cheers,
Paul June A. Domag
mohdis
A plus for MySQL is there is an enormous amount of support for it on the Internet...
CJWalsh
It is easily setup, easy to use, and easy to maintain!
Dave987654321
Chrispwill
It might be worth you checking out http://www.elevatesoft.com as they do an excellent database that can be used as stand alone or client-server. The current release is not ADO compatible but it has an ODBC driver and there are 3rd party ADO drivers available from http://www.contextsoft.com/
They are also due to release an ADO compatible version this month.
Chris Holland
zisha
I have read up on Firebird a bit and it appears that it is not a portable database that can be easily deployed with an application. It's more like MS SQL where it has to be installed as a server.
I'm looking for a relational database that is easily installed with an application ...like access.
Also, what do you guys think about using FoxPro
thanksFrancesco75
http://firebird.sourceforge.net/
Firebird is a relational database offering many ANSI SQL-99 features that runs on Linux, Windows, and a variety of Unix platforms. Firebird offers excellent concurrency, high performance, and powerful language support for stored procedures and triggers. It has been used in production systems, under a variety of names since 1981.
Download for Windows:
http://firebird.sourceforge.net/download/prerelease/win32/Firebird-1.5.3.4842-0_RC1-Win32.exe
Regards,
Vikram
CStacker
Kirk Brote
I would recommend MS Access Database. Upto 500 MB is too big a data for XML file.
Regards,
Vikram
Sean Feldman
It has been my opinion in the past that open source projects tend to be very hard to use because of the lack of documentation and examples.
the only concise example i could find was located here.
Also, I can't find User Forums to ask my questions in...
Polishchuk Maxim
no Access client neccessary...just need MDAC (2.8)and your app
Craig Westlake
Cathal