SQLite/SQL Compact Toolbox cannot connect inside program

Question

SQL compact database 4.0 installed, as well as the tool, and it seems to be functioning in toolbox.
Can create tables and stuff, but when I try to use it from C#, it cannot connect.

I get an error - after pointing to the file and checking the connection, which is OK:

An error occurred while retrieving the information from the database.
The specified type is not supported by this selector.

All new to Visual Studio but not to databases or SQL.

Nitin Sontakke · Answer

Honestly I have never used LocalDB myself. I pointed you in that direction simply because of one statement of yours: "Need a small local database with 5 tables. No sharing, no net, nothing but local data." And LocalDB meets that requirement very well. In any case, see if following could be any help: https://www.codeproject.com/Articles/634822/LocalDB-Manager Furthermore, I strongly suggest that whatever you want to achieve at the end, first do the PoC and don't delve into full-fledge developement up-front.

Nitin Sontakke · Answer

Just to clarify, I am referring to https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh510202.aspx which fully matches your requirements, I think. Furthermore, I was not referring to SQLite, I was referring to SQL Server CE (Compact Edition) It is not clear to me from where you got the number 2.5GB?

Nitin Sontakke · Answer

If this is a new development, i suggest, you switch to LocalDB as as far as i know CE is now deprecated. Please refer to the following link: https://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/sqlserver/en-US/95797446-0f9d-4e75-9007-adcd6f6a9d1e/is-sql-server-compact-dead-?forum=sqlce

Birger Sørensen · Answer

So installed localDB, and redid my tables. And it seems even Visual Sudio accepts this - it will now let me work with them in editor, accept the dataset, and I can add database aware components on my form! There are quite a lot of explanations flying around - how to do this and how to do that. The only ting that is not explained, is how to acually put data into my tables. Yes I can type into fields and columns of components, correct and delete, but that is not really what I need.... I gather data from around 3.000 files, and these data are - well should be - used to store in or update the database. But apparently I am not allowed access to my database - only the form and the component, is.... Where are the procedures/functions that allow me to execute SQL statements to the database? Any hints or link to places that explains how this is done?

Birger Sørensen · Answer

;) Followed your linkabout deprecaption of of CE. Remcomendation seems to be SQL Server 2016 - with downloads as an ISO - 2.5GB. This is then a developer edition and not the wxpress (that the ther site seem to say is not free - but develper is, when not used commercially).

Birger Sørensen · Answer

? The small simple tool and SQLite replaced with 2.5GB programming? Seems crazy... Need a small local database with 5 tables. No sharing, no net, nothing but local data. This SQL 2016 is on its own, is more than installing apache, php and MySQL togeher, to create a simple application. And a lot more complicated, it seems...