Embed database in vb.net app - vb.net

Question

I'm building a small VB.net app. I want to add a little database (about 5 columns, 20 records). I want to keep everything in a single exe. I think it's a bit overkill to add a 'full' database, so I'm looking for an alternative.
I could create a CSV file, and add it as a resource. Is this a good idea, or are there any other better alternatives?

Answer 1

Another option for such a small amount of data is to store it in ApplicationSettings. Your question implies you are using WinForms, so you can make use of the built-in features with just a small amount of work to store your own custom class.
Create a class to represent your data.
Wrap that class in a property of another class that inherits from ApplicationSettingsBase as a List(Of )
Manipulate this custom setting as needed and call Save() as needed.
Here is an example that binds to a DataGrid:
The class that represents your data:
Public Class Fruit
Public Property FruitName As String
Public Property FruitColor As String
Public Property FruitGrowsOn As String
End Class
The class that turns Fruit into a collection stored in application settings. Notice it inherits ApplicationSettingsBase. Also notice the attributes on the Fruits property that identify this as a user setting as opposed to an application setting (which cannot be modified by the user). The DefaultSettingAttribute makes sure the collection is instantiated so you don't get null reference exception until after the first time you add an item:
Imports System.Configuration
Public NotInheritable Class FruitCollection
Inherits ApplicationSettingsBase
<UserScopedSettingAttribute()>
<DefaultSettingValue("")>
Public Property Fruits() As List(Of Fruit)
Get
Fruits = Me("Fruits")
End Get
Set(ByVal value As List(Of Fruit))
Me("Fruits") = value
End Set
End Property
End Class
The Form definition. Retrieves the instance of your custom setting (FruitUserSettings), creates a binding source for a DataGridView, and provides a Save button to persist the changes made in the grid to Settings. Next time the user opens the form the changes will still be there provided they clicked the Save button:
Public Class Form1
Dim FruitUserSettings As FruitCollection
Dim GridBindingSrc As BindingSource
Private Sub Form1_Load(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
FruitUserSettings = New FruitCollection()
GridBindingSrc = New BindingSource(FruitUserSettings, "Fruits")
DataGridView1.AutoGenerateColumns = True
DataGridView1.DataSource = GridBindingSrc
End Sub
Private Sub Button1_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click
FruitUserSettings.Save()
End Sub
Private Sub Form1_FormClosing(sender As Object, e As FormClosingEventArgs) Handles MyBase.FormClosing
GridBindingSrc.Dispose()
End Sub
End Class
Note, you don't need a binding source or grid, these were just for demonstration. You can manipulate FruitUserSettings.Fruits like any other list in any way you want. As long as Save() is called on the settings you will retain the data.
You can download/clone the working sample here: https://github.com/crowcoder/CustomSetting

Answer 2

i would use XML file as little database, you can query it easily with linq (Language-Integrated Query). also there are built in library's that can help you handle you records and query's. of course that you can use access, excel (you can query excel with SQL) csv or txt file . also you can create a local data base file in visual studio