How to deploy an app with a sqlexpress db along with it?

[sherifffruitfly]

Hi all,

I made a c# app that includes a sqlexpress database. I can't seem to
find the mdf file though, so I'm wondering exactly how/whether I can
give the app to my friend to use/test. Will the db be created on the
fly when my friend runs the app?

 

[Arne Vajhøj]

I made a c# app that includes a sqlexpress database. I can't seem to
find the mdf file though, so I'm wondering exactly how/whether I can
give the app to my friend to use/test. Will the db be created on the
fly when my friend runs the app?

It is not the SQLServer Express way but I prefer the oldfashioned way:
- you distribute app, SQL script and config template
- the customer creates tables by running the SQL scripts in their
database and they modify the config file to point to their database

Alternatively look at the SQLServer Compact.

Arne