What is the difference between embedded database and ordinary database like MySQL or Oracle?

Question

What is the difference between embedded database and ordinary database like MySQL or Oracle? and when should we use which?

Answer 1

Long story short:

An embedded DB (like MS SQL Compact, SQLite, etc...) is integrated in the application you are developping or executing. Usually is a file which contains specific data structure to store data.

An "ordinary" DB like MySql or Oracle or MS Sql need a server to execute and store data. You have to install the application in locale or remote server to allow the right connection.

Using an embedded db you can execute software without installing a DB server.