SQL CE has a small footprint because its intended primarily for embedded systems and PPC's, smartphones, etc. In my working with it, I have discovered a few things that would preclude it being used on the desktop:

1. Slow
2. No stored procs
3. No cte's
4. No batch queries
5. No support for spaces in names, etc.
6. Limited designer support
7. No Transaction support
8. No Multiple connection support

Some are touting this as a replacement for VFP's local data engine, but it is a poor substitute. If you want to go with SQL then use SQL Epress, it has more robust features and is free also.


>I recently discovered that Microsoft is now offering SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition (SSCE). I read some of the white papers on the MS site and this sounds like it could be a good fit for a small desktop application. Easy to deploy with a download under 2 MB as compared to 50+ MB for SQL Express.
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>Has anyone attempted to work with compact edition yet? I would appreciate hearing about any experience you have had, both good and bad. Thanks in advance for any comments.
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>Kind Regards,
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>Mat