How do i create a database and access it for my windows mobile 5 app?

Question

I have written a basic Application for windows mobile 5.

It is using visual studio 2008 and c# .net

I am currently trying to find a way of storing my customer names but im not sure what format is best for storing data directly on the device ( i dont need it to integrate with any servers or anything)

I'm hoping someone here knows which direction i should be looking. I'm looking into the dataset object at the moment but doesnt seem to be saving anything?

Here is a snippet of code i've been playing with.

        private void menuItem1_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
    {
        DataSet mySet = new DataSet1();
        DataRow oOrderRow = mySet.Tables["tblPeople"].NewRow();
        oOrderRow["name"] =nameTextBox.Text;
        mySet.Tables["tblPeople"].Rows.Add(oOrderRow);

    }

Answer 1

Try SQL Server Compact edition .

It's very similar to the "real" SQL Server from client perspective. It supports easy data access with LINQ.

Answer 2

You can create an sqlce database if ur using vs 2008 using sqlce 3.5 would be the easiest.

or if you dont have a lot of data store all your information in an xml file.

Answer 3

The dataset object is only a container for working with your data in code. To actually persist your data, you need to use a database. For windows mobile, I'd be looking at something like SQL CE .

You use datasets to represent data in memory and you use the database to store the data for your application to use.

Answer 4

I originally tried setting up a SQL Compact database without realising that was what i was doing, but i kept receiving an error message.

If you are receiving errors when trying to create a new sql ce database file (In VS2008-- Add Item->Data Tab->SQL Database)

Make sure you have SP1 for visual studio as there are a few known issues. You can get SP1 here

I'm now continuing with my application and once it's finished i'll post a link to the solution file as i think it would be a very good simple example of a Mobile App with a database and a few forms.

Answer 5

I would recommend using SQLite instead of sqlce and using SDF files. I use the wrapper DLLs from PHX software ( http://sqlite.phxsoftware.com/ ).

From sqlite.org: SQLite is a software library that implements a self-contained, serverless, zero-configuration, transactional SQL database engine. SQLite is the most widely deployed SQL database engine in the world. The source code for SQLite is in the public domain.