How to select local database in Visual Studio for C# Windows app?

Question

I am new to application development and trying to select a local database for my c# Windows form application but couldn't find that option.

There is only Service-Based Database option available which I do not consider suitable for me.

Anyway, should I use this option because there is no local database option available in the higher versions of Visual Studio, or just I cant find it?

I search for this,

Thanks for your time

Answer 1

Is there a specific database tool you would like to use? Entity Framework, NHibernate or ADO.NET

but no matter what you are planning to use, if you need to include your database file in your project, you can create the database file using Microsoft SQL Express and merely copy the MDF file in your App_Data folder or any folder.

Answer 2

That template is no longer available, but using free SQL Compact Toolbox extension you can easily add a SQL Server Compact database to your project and generate code to work with it on top. Microsoft's recommendation is to use SQL Server Express (Service-based database) instead.