CODEWITHSUNDEEP
c#.net-4.0sql-server-cesql-server-express
subZero
subZero

Reputation: 5176

Disadvantages of using SQL Server Compact versus dedicated SQL Server database

I'm wondering what the key differences between using a SQL Server Compact database (.sdf) and a full fledged database like for example SQL Server Express are?

Are there any major performance issues, and if so, how big can the compact database get before starting to notice this?

When starting projects I find using a compact database a simple, straight forward and clean solution, when should I convert and move over to a dedicated database?

Upvotes: 6

Views: 7660

Answers (3)

ErikEJ
ErikEJ

Reputation: 41769

See my comparision chart here: http://erikej.blogspot.dk/2011/01/comparison-of-sql-server-compact-4-and.html

Upvotes: 3

Alexander Schmidt
Alexander Schmidt

Reputation: 5723

Lets try:

  • max 2 GB file size
  • No stored procedures, triggers etc.
  • No process but loaded into your AppDomain
  • As far as I know, there is no cost based optimizer or query plans for queries
  • Lack of concurrent access of multiple users at the same time

The big issue here is, that CE is only a file on your system and you get access through a simple InApp-call using a dll. Thats it and in many scenarios this is enough. Many people would say, that you can switch to SQLS later but I don't think so. It's a complete different world! CE is a single product in my eyes.

Remember, that you need to deploy the CE-DLL when you wan't to publish your app!

Upvotes: 11

Steve
Steve

Reputation: 216293

SQL Compact doesn't support Stored Procedures. You write all of your query directly in code. That's enough for me to choose the SQL Express. Now, we have also the option of LocalDB that simplify the deployment scenarios.

Upvotes: 2

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