Under the scenario described, the solution would be Sqlite, it does not need to install, will embedded in the application itself.
Some people use the Localdb, but it is usually less suitable than Sqlite for remote access. The same can be said of SQL Server Compact is practically obsolete.
The problem is that you cannot have other external applications accessing the same Sqlite database. You would have to write an application server to control access. I like the idea, but not everyone knows how to do it. There is no free lunch. My preference is to write a server for it.
There are some other options that fall into the same problem. Could do
If you want a ready server, you have nothing to do, you have to install it. What you can do is automate the installation. The SQL Server Express is a free and interesting option, but it has limitations of use. Some find it easy to install the Firebird. But be careful not to install the embedded one which is extremely limited and cannot be used for simultaneous access. Even the full version usually has scale problems. After this only by customizing a way to install Mysql or Postgresql that can be mounted the way you want.
Actually, if you want a server, I don’t see the downside of having to install it. It is much more important to have option without installing on desktop or mobile client, then Sqlite is fired the best option. Even with server in general my option is for Sqlite whenever it can.
These options allow use with the Entity Framework. There may be options that are not supported.
There is a certain dichotomy between not installing and having external access. Other than crazy solutions or totally built by you, only the Sqlite adapted to work as a server will solve. In practice even this case will have to install your server.
Otherwise making use of cloud is the only way to not have to install the database. Of course this has its drawbacks as well.
If you want a database like SQL Server complete, installing is the least of the problems. You even have to buy it.
But this computer will have to serve as a server, right? For the BD to be accessed by other PC’s
– BrnPer
Yes. I need a server with BD and other pcs to access it. I need a lightweight DBMS
– Patrick Cardoso
I would bet on SQL Express, light and fully compatible with C#
– Fabio Aragão
I suggest the SQL Server itself, it is simple to install, and the easiest to use with Entity framework. It is not necessary to install on client machines, only on the server. Anyway, there is not a single correct answer to this question.... very broad.
– Alisson
@Alisson I thought about it but found that it is not wide, gives in an answer to put all options, easily. I will still improve my.
– Maniero
@Patrickcardoso Have any of the answers solved your question? Do you think you can accept one of them? Check out the [tour] how to do this, if you haven’t already done so. You would help the community by identifying what was the best solution for you. You can accept only one of them. But you can vote on any question or answer you find useful on the entire site.
– Maniero