Can I have database without installing SQL Server?

Question

I want to build an ASP.NET website with Entity Framework 5 but I do not have permission to install SQL Server on my system, is it possible? If yes, how? If not, any alternative, like files etc...

Answer 1

If you can't install anything, then I'm afraid you're stuck with embedded databases like SQL Server Compact Edition or Sqlite. (and some NOSQL databases as well, I believe some of them don't require a server)

Just don't forget about one thing - embedded databases usually aren't enough for web environment.

For instance:

https://stackoverflow.com/questions/11591002/how-can-i-use-sqlite-in-a-c-sharp-project
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sqlserver/editions/2012-editions/compact.aspx

Answer 2

An alternative would be to host your database on another service like AWS or Microsoft Azure.

Answer 3

You could offload the database platform entirely to a remote Azure database; there's lots of info on this online, but this page might be a good starting point.