6 replies to this topic

[ahmed]

I will me making a simple database application for someone in Java but i am confused which database to use at the back-end. Access is i think not the one to work with because if the file corrupts i will have no way to get it back. Which database should i use then?which creates automatic backups so in case of trouble i get the database back?

[zoranh]

If you're on the MS side, SQL Server Express is quite good and free. It supports multiple databases up to 4 GB per database.

That is much better than Oracle Express which gives you only one database instance, and even that with many complications and limitations. I have tried Oracle Express and honestly I'm disappointed with their attitude about it. It looks to me that Oracle doesn't want anyone to use it for free and that's it.

I've also been working with MySQL and latest releases are very good even for professional use.

And, almost forgot - don't use Access. It's garbage.

Edited by zoranh, 01 October 2010 - 12:58 AM.
Added the garbage thing.

[ahmed]

thanks for the reply zornahh I haven't used SQL server but if you say so i will give it a try . It's included in VS 2008 right? and i have used mySQL but isn't it more web oriented ? and what about the automatic backup ?

[zoranh]

SQL Server Express (and regular) are installed as separate applications. You can download it here: SQL Server 2008 Express. Note that it should go with Management Studio (I think it's included in install - if not, Google for it). Installation downloads something like 200+ MB and then installs SQL Server.

Both SQL Server and MySQL support backup scripts which can be scheduled to auto-backup the database. Regarding the Web - all providers are supported by Web providers (SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL). I've used MySQL both in Web and stand-alone applications without limitations.

[WingedPanther]

Before suggesting options, it's important to decide a few things:
1) is this meant to be a stand-alone DB or on a server?
2) what price considerations do you have?
3) when you say you want backups, what level of user interaction do you want in that?

[ahmed]

stand-alone database with front end made in some language
Not sure about the price because the country where i live is a developing one so i am not expecting much.
It will be more like a person using it from data entry and viewing the data

[WingedPanther]

For Java you could use the H2 database, which is a single file. Before you open it, you could have your program create a backup of the DB file. SQLite could be used with other languages in much the same way.