What are the prerequisites for using SQL and LINQ with my winforms application in C#?
c#, linq, sql, sql-server
Solution
Question 1) do I have to install an SQL database on each server computer?
No, you can have just one sql server hosted and available via the internet
Question 2) Can I bundle it with the software installation?
Yes you can easiest packager & isntaller I have come across is called Inno Setup
Quesiton 3) If I want to utilize LINQ, am I limited to using MSSQL?
No because Language Integrated Query (LINQ, pronounced "link") is a Microsoft .NET Framework component that adds native data querying capabilities to .NET languages, although ports exist for Java1, PHP and JavaScript.
Quesiton 4) Is there a way I can insure only my program will be able to modify/query my programs database?
Yes your application can use a connectionstring that will be read from a config file
Problem
Specifically if I have a server that I want to use my SQL Server database with do I have to install an SQL database on each server computer? Can I bundle it with the software installation? If I want to utilize LINQ, am I limited to using SQL Server? On the same note, my database data must be secure. Is there a way I can insure only my program will be able to modify/query my programs database?