C# application deployment issue with .mdf database

I would suggest you to use SQLite Database because the process and function are almost similar. And the deployment is super easy; it just requires few DLLs to make it work.

Guideline:

First you will need System.Data.SQLite library and then needs to add System.Data.SQLite.dll as a reference in your project. Keep in mind that SQLite.Interop.dll also needs to be in your executables directory but doesn’t need to be added as a reference in your project.

Moreover, if your application is targeting Any CPU it is likely that you will get an exception. So make sure to navigate to Project properties -> Build and set the Platform target to the bit version of the System.Data.SQLite.dll binary you have downloaded.

As you are beginner so here is the step by step guideline along with sample code.

Steps:

1. Navigate to: Tools > NuGet Package Manager > Manage NuGet Packages for Solution
2. Search For: SQLite
3. Select System.Data.SQLite (would be first result)
4. Click on Install

5. Import library

   using System.Data.SQLite;
   

The connection is ready and here is the Sample Code:

System.Data.SQLite.SQLiteConnection.CreateFile("sqlite.db3");

using(System.Data.SQLite.SQLiteConnection conn = new System.Data.SQLite.SQLiteConnection("data source=sqlite.db3")){
    using(System.Data.SQLite.SQLiteCommand cmd = new System.Data.SQLite.SQLiteCommand(conn)){
        conn.Open();
        cmd.CommandText = @"CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS
                            [persons](
                            [id] INTEGER NOT NULL PRIMARY KEY AUTOINCREMENT,
                            [name] VARCHAR(50) NULL
                            )";

        cmd.ExecuteNonQuery();

        cmd.CommandText = "INSERT INTO [persons] (name) values('Atlas')";
        cmd.ExecuteNonQuery();

        cmd.CommandText = "SELECT * FROM [persons]";

        using(System.Data.SQLite.SQLiteDataReader reader = cmd.ExecuteReader()){
            while(reader.Read()){
                MessageBox.Show(reader["name"].ToString());
            }

        conn.Close();

        }

    }
}

Tips:

• always use try/catch block for database operations
• If you don't prefer to use NuGet Package Manager then you can download library from here

Hope this helps! :)