Member Avatar for chsarp_vijay

Hi,
I am developing a hand held device. I am using .net compact frame work with WINCE support. Here i want to choose a open source database which supports WINCE. Can any one tell which open source database will support WINCE platform.

Regards,
Vijay Bhaskar

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by tesuji

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Short summary and practical path forward for and responders (, , ): because the app is written in C# on the .NET Compact Framework (WinCE), the most reliable open-source route is an embeddable native library that you compile for the device and call from managed code. That avoids needing a full Java runtime or a server process on the handheld.

Why that approach works and what to watch for:

  • Compile the native library for your device CPU/ABI (ARM, MIPS, etc.). A mismatch is the most common runtime failure.
  • Use a small managed wrapper or P/Invoke layer so your CF code uses simple methods (open, prepare, step, finalize, close). Pay close attention to string encoding (UTF-8 vs UTF-16) and calling convention.
  • Deploy the native DLL alongside the app and the DB file. Test on the actual device; emulator behavior and CE file systems have quirks (locking, rename/delete, wear-leveling on flash).
  • Verify ACID behavior under power loss and heavy write patterns. Embedded engines differ in journaling modes; pick one that suits flash-backed storage.
  • Check license/redistribution terms before shipping.

If open-source is not absolutely required, consider the native Compact DB options that plug into .NET CF out of the box (easier ADO.NET integration and fewer P/Invoke headaches), but note licensing and long-term support implications.

Quick checklist before final choice:

  • Managed provider or feasible P/Invoke wrapper
  • Compatible CPU/OS binary
  • Memory and disk footprint within device limits
  • Transactional and crash-recovery guarantees
  • Redistribution license you can live with
  • Test plan for concurrency, power loss, and file-system corner cases

Bottom line: for a C#/.NET CF handheld the pragmatic open-source path is a small native embeddable DB compiled for WinCE plus a thin managed wrapper. If integration simplicity matters more than license, a native CF-focused product will save time.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for peter_budo

You can use MySQL

Member Avatar for yap

I would advice embedded Derby/JavaDB
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yap

Member Avatar for peter_budo

I would advice embedded Derby/JavaDB
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yap

Derby is still new, so I will not expect so much support on it. In Java will be good, but C# less likely

Member Avatar for chsarp_vijay

Derby is still new, so I will not expect so much support on it. In Java will be good, but C# less likely

But i am writing my application in C#. Whether JavaDB will compatible to that?

Regards,
Vijay Bhaskar

Member Avatar for tesuji

Hi chsarp_vijay,

Derby is pure Java. if you want to use it, you must program Java. Why not using SQL Anywhere/Ultralight from worldwide leader in mobile computing, Sybase? There mobile computing database run on almost all mobile systems, even on mobile phones (also Derby does so). You can download developer system from Sybase without charge and limitations (ok, one limit exists: you shall not use developer licence in commercial projects).

krs,
tesu

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