Hi Trent, if you had to develop a desktop solution for say home users - what database would you use foxpro or access? it looks like i may not understand enough to get the framework to work with sql compact edition. I am a past foxpro person but i wonder about using that anymore as a backend.
If I had to choose between those two it would be Access. FoxPro is nothing but a problem waiting for a place to happen...this comes from MANY years of experience.
But in truth, I would not use either of these, but SQL Server Express. I know that this post has been geared around embedded database conversation, but there is a reason that we have not yet created a data source item for this...there is generally a better solution. I do see the benefits of a disconnected laptop for the day, etc. But even then I would tend to lean towards SQL Server Express. First of all, it is free. Secondly, it is faster and a full version of SQL Server. Additionally, you don't have to deal with data type issues. For example, SQL Mobile doesn't have a VarChar data type but only a NVarChar (unless something has changed recently). Not that using an NVarChar is bad, but it just might not line up exactly with the desktop structures (if you a.] have the need or b.] ever plan to have a larger version of an application).
In my opinion, and if I were hired in a capacity for consultation purposes in a situation like this, I would tell my client that they are better off developing on a full SQL Server version versus an embedded edition....I have a lot of embedded experience from years past and there are other issues that you will inevitabely run into (i.e. row locking, etc.).