Ideal data source for Standalone Applications?

Question

Suppose I created a standalone application in java and distributed it through my website.

What I need to know is what is the ideal Database solution I can use so that all the users can use the application without installing anything extra.

For example, if I use SQL server or MySql database, the downloader will need those installed so that I can dump my database on it. Another solution I see is to use Database file like Microsoft Access .mdb file. But that too will need Microsoft Office installed on the client. XML files are platform independent but anyone can open and change them.

What is the solution used by most of the applications?

Answer 1

H2 is a very potent candidate for your need. We use it as a default RDBMS in all our demo applications and also for db-driven unit testing.

Answer 2

You could use an embedded database. There are hundreds for Java some which use SQL and many which don't. Any database you use, you may want the users to be able to maintain, so users editing the data may be a good thing.

You could consider Derby as it ships with Java.

I would use plain flat files which are CSV formatted unless you have a more specific requirement. e.g. you can load and edit them in excel/spreadsheet editor/text editor.