Microsoft SQL Server Compact (SQL CE) is a compact relational database that runs on mobile devices and desktops. It has a small file size, supports various programming languages, and provides an alternative to other database formats. SQL CE databases are stored in a single encrypted .sdf file up to 4GB in size. The .sdf file can be deployed easily and SQL CE supports code-first development using the ADO.NET Entity Framework. SQL CE allows for building desktop, mobile, and web applications using technologies like WebMatrix.

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3. SQL Server Compact
 Microsoft SQL Server Compact (SQL CE) is a compact
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relational database produced by Microsoft for
applications that run on mobile devices and desktops.
 Prior to the introduction of the desktop platform, it was
known as SQL Server for Windows CE and SQL Server
Mobile Edition.
 The latest release is the SQL Server Compact 4.0
supporting .NET Framework 4.0, and dropping support
for Windows Mobile in this release. It includes both 32-bit
and 64-bit native support.
 It is free to download and redistribute.

4. SQL Server Compact Features
 Small footprint for easy  Integration with Microsoft
deployment.(2 MB) Visual Studio.
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 Single file, code-free  Support for various
database format. programming languages
 Support for nonadmin,  It’s an alternative to JET,
embedded XML, Persisted DataSets,
installations.(No database SQL Server Express
installation)  Future releases will unify
 Support for a subset of the synchronization
syntax and data types. capabilities with Microsoft
Works with Existing Data Synchronization Services.
APIs like ADO.NET.

5. Other Features...
 SQL CE databases reside in a single .sdf file,which can be
up to 4 GB in size .
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 The .sdf file can be encrypted with 128-bit encryption for
data security.
 Stronger data security with the use of the SHA2
encryption algorithms for encrypting the databases.
 The .sdf file can simply be copied to the destination
system for deployment, or be deployed through
ClickOnce.
 Uses ADO.NET Entity Framework’s code-first
programming model.

7. What can we do with SQL Compact?
 Everything you need to build Web sites using Windows
with the WebMatrix Technology (WebMatrix is a new
Web development tool that includes IIS Express, SQL
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Server Compact and ASP.NET. Also it makes easier to
develop web sites.)
 Popular PHP or ASP.NET Web apps like WordPress,
Joomla!, MojoPortal, Orchard and Umbraco are just a
click away. Customize your web site using the built-in
code-editor and make it yours with the help of
WebMatrix.
 Use WebMatrix to find a Web host that fits your
requirements and use the built-in publishing support for
FTP, FTPS, and WebDeploy to ensure that your files,
databases, and settings arrive intact on the Web.

8. What can we do with SQL Compact?
 Develop applications by using Transact-SQL(T-
SQL) functionality
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 Build full-featured mobile and desktop client
applications
 Accelerate development with LINQ support with
highly effective query logic.(LINQ=Language
Integrated Query)
 Extended development reach for applications
with Windows operating systems running on
desktops, servers, laptops, and mobile devices,
as well as Windows Embedded appliances.

9. Architectural Comparisons
SQL Server (Express*) SQL Server Compact
Shared Data Services Local Data Documents
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Multiple Connections from Multiple Connections from
multiple clients multiple processes & threads
Runs as a service Runs In-Proc w/Application
Multi-proc access through shared memory
Connection Pooling Connections through
through SqlClient SqlCeConnection
Query Plans cached in Query Plans cached in
SQL Server Engine SqlCeCommand object

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