Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact

Microsoft Corporation ❘ Commercial

Lightweight Database Solution for Mobile and Embedded Applications

Minh Ong

03/30/2025

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact is a streamlined, lightweight version of SQL Server ideal for mobile and embedded applications, but it lacks some advanced features found in the full version.

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact is a relational database management system designed for small to medium-sized applications. It is developed by Microsoft Corporation and is primarily used for mobile and desktop applications on Windows operating systems.

The database engine is lightweight, using minimal system resources to run.
It supports a subset of the full Transact-SQL language used in Microsoft SQL Server.
It has a small footprint, making it ideal for applications that require local data storage.
It provides high-performance data access through its support of ADO.NET programming model.

Developers can use Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact to develop applications for web, desktop, and mobile devices. It can also be used as an embedded database within other software applications.

Despite its compact size, Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact offers many features found in larger database management systems, including data encryption and replication.

Disclaimer: Please note that Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact is no longer supported by Microsoft and developers are advised to use newer versions of SQL Server for their applications.

Overview

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact is a Commercial software in the category Development developed by Microsoft Corporation.

The latest version of Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact is currently unknown. It was initially added to our database on 10/30/2021.

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact runs on the following operating systems: Windows.

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact has not been rated by our users yet.

Pros

Lightweight and easy to deploy with no installation required.
Ideal for mobile and desktop applications that need a local database.
Supports a subset of SQL Server features, making it easier to learn and use for small projects.
Offers built-in support for transactions and is ACID compliant.
Can be used with various programming languages and integrates well with Microsoft development environments.
Free to use, lowering the cost barrier for developers.

Cons

Limited to a maximum database size of 4 GB, which may not be suitable for larger applications.
Lacks some advanced features found in full SQL Server versions, such as stored procedures and triggers.
Not actively maintained or updated; SQL Server Compact has been deprecated in favor of other solutions.
Compatibility issues may arise when trying to upgrade or migrate data to newer SQL Server versions.
Performance can degrade with larger datasets due to its lightweight nature and lack of optimization features.

FAQ

What is Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact?

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact is a relational database management system designed for developers who need compact, single-user, and lightweight databases.

What are the key features of SQL Server 2005 Compact?

Some key features of SQL Server 2005 Compact include a small footprint, easy deployment, compatibility with SQL Server 2005 syntax, support for various programming languages and platforms, and replication support.

What programming languages are supported by SQL Server 2005 Compact?

SQL Server 2005 Compact supports programming languages such as C#, VB.NET, ASP.NET, and native C++. It can be used with .NET Framework applications as well as native Windows applications.

Can SQL Server 2005 Compact be used in mobile and embedded environments?

Yes, SQL Server 2005 Compact is suitable for mobile and embedded environments. It can be deployed on devices running Windows Mobile, Windows CE, or other compatible platforms.

What are the deployment options for SQL Server 2005 Compact?

SQL Server 2005 Compact can be deployed using XCOPY deployment, merge modules, or bootstrap components. It offers flexible deployment options to suit various scenarios.

Does SQL Server 2005 Compact support replication?

Yes, SQL Server 2005 Compact supports replication. It allows you to sync data between a central database and multiple mobile or remote devices through merge replication.

Is SQL Server 2005 Compact compatible with other editions of SQL Server?

SQL Server 2005 Compact is designed to be compatible with SQL Server 2005. However, it has limitations compared to the full version, such as its support for fewer features and maximum database size.

Can SQL Server 2005 Compact be used in web applications?

Yes, SQL Server 2005 Compact can be used in web applications. It can be embedded within ASP.NET applications and accessed using ADO.NET.

Does SQL Server 2005 Compact require a separate installation?

No, SQL Server 2005 Compact doesn't require a separate installation as it can be redistributed with your application. It doesn't have any additional installation or setup steps.

Is SQL Server 2005 Compact still supported by Microsoft?

No, Microsoft ended mainstream support for SQL Server 2005 Compact on April 12, 2011. Extended support ended on April 12, 2016. It is recommended to migrate to a newer version of SQL Server or another alternative.

Minh Ong

I'm Minh, a software engineer and author with a passion for exploring and writing about the latest in software and technology. With my experience in software development and a specialization in software updates and content creation, I bring a deep understanding of the tech landscape to my reviews and articles. My focus is on providing you with comprehensive insights into general software topics and the latest industry news.

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