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Microsoft SQL Server Compact VS CompactView

Compare Microsoft SQL Server Compact VS CompactView and see what are their differences

Microsoft SQL Server Compact logo Microsoft SQL Server Compact

Bring Microsoft SQL Server 2017 to the platform of your choice. Use SQL Server 2017 on Windows, Linux, and Docker containers.

CompactView logo CompactView

Viewer for Microsoft® SQL Server® CE database files (sdf)
  • Microsoft SQL Server Compact Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-26
  • CompactView Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-23

Microsoft SQL Server Compact features and specs

  • Lightweight and Portable
    Microsoft SQL Server Compact is a lightweight database solution that can be easily deployed with applications, making it ideal for desktop, mobile, and small-scale web applications.
  • In-Process Database Engine
    The database engine runs within the application process, which eliminates the need for a separate server, reducing system complexity and resource usage.
  • Zero-configuration Needed
    SQL Server Compact requires no installation or configuration, which simplifies deployment for developers and end users alike.
  • Free to Use
    It is free, which makes it a cost-effective solution for small projects or for inclusion in commercial and non-commercial applications.
  • Integration with Visual Studio
    Offers seamless integration with Microsoft Visual Studio, providing an easy-to-use development experience for .NET developers.

Possible disadvantages of Microsoft SQL Server Compact

  • Limited Features
    It lacks some advanced features found in other editions of SQL Server, such as stored procedures, triggers, and advanced security features, which may be necessary for more complex applications.
  • Not Suitable for Large Applications
    Designed for smaller, single-user applications, SQL Server Compact is not suitable for large, multi-user, or distributed database scenarios.
  • End of Life Considerations
    With advancements in other Microsoft data solutions and no major updates being released for SQL Server Compact, developers may need to consider future migration strategies.
  • Limited Storage Capacity
    The maximum database size is constrained, limiting its ability to handle extensive data storage needs.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Being an older technology, it might face compatibility issues with newer technologies and platforms.

CompactView features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    CompactView is open-source software available for free, allowing users to download, modify, and distribute the software without any cost.
  • Lightweight
    The software is lightweight, ensuring that it doesn't consume much system resources and runs efficiently even on older hardware.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    CompactView provides a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to navigate and utilize its features without a steep learning curve.
  • Portable Application
    It is a portable application, meaning that it doesn't require installation and can be run from a USB drive, making it convenient for mobile use.
  • Focused on Specific Task
    CompactView focuses on a specific task, which is viewing Microsoft Compacted Files, providing great performance and reliability for this purpose.

Possible disadvantages of CompactView

  • Limited Features
    The software is designed primarily to view compacted files and lacks advanced editing or conversion features that some users might require.
  • Windows-Only
    CompactView is only available for Windows operating systems, making it inaccessible to macOS or Linux users without additional software like Wine.
  • No Active Support
    Being an open-source project, it may lack active customer support, relying instead on community forums for assistance.
  • Outdated Interface
    The interface may seem outdated compared to modern software, which could be off-putting to users accustomed to contemporary design aesthetics.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    Since it's dependent on Windows, certain updates or system configurations may lead to compatibility issues unless correctly managed.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Microsoft SQL Server Compact and CompactView)
Databases
50 50%
50% 50
NoSQL Databases
50 50%
50% 50
Development
50 50%
50% 50
Data Integration
51 51%
49% 49

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Microsoft SQL Server Compact and CompactView, you can also consider the following products

VoltDB - In-memory relational DBMS capable of supporting millions of database operations per second

Realm.io - Realm is a mobile platform and a replacement for SQLite & Core Data. Build offline-first, reactive mobile experiences using simple data sync.

ObjectBox - ObjectBox empower edge computing with an edge device database and synchronization solution for Mobile & IoT. Store and sync data from edge to cloud.

UnQLite - UnQLite is a in-process software library which implements a self-contained, serverless...

NuoDB - A scale-out SQL database for global operations

HSQLDB - hsqldb: Full-featured 100% Java ORDBMS