Delphi embedded DB

Question

I need a SMALL/LIGHTWEIGHT DB control (maybe delivered as a single PAS file) that I can integrate directly into my application. I need to store relatively small amounts of data in a small number of tables and I want to access some columns fast. I know that Delphi 7 has that nice BDE but I don't want to trouble the user with the installation process.

I use Delphi 7.

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EDIT:
I think I asked the wrong question. So, here is what I actually need:
How to store dynamic data (unknown number of fields) to a file?

Answer 1

NexusDB offers a free embedded version. Here is an Example

Answer 2

If you're committed to not include any more dependencies with your application, take a look at TClientDataSet.

I'd recommend some sort of "embedded" database. Example: In order to use Firebird as an embedded database, at a minimum, you only need to ship one DLL. You can put that DLL in your installer so the user doesn't need to install anything.

Answer 3

As an alternative, how about the freeware TDbf database? It compiles directly into your application and is reliable for lightweight uses.

Also, if you are old enough to remember the days when DBase was the standard desktop database platform, then you probably know how to use it already. :-)

It's at http://tdbf.sourceforge.net

(If there doesn't seem to be a lot of recent activity then it is because it's been around for 10 years and is very stable).

Just a thought.