E:\PortableSQL\ ├── Data\ │ ├── MyDatabase.mdf │ └── MyDatabase_log.ldf ├── Scripts\ │ ├── start.bat │ ├── stop.bat │ └── attach.sql └── Tools\ └── SSMS.exe (optional, portable version of SSMS exists) Connect to LocalDB using SqlCmd or SSMS:
CREATE DATABASE MyDatabase ON (NAME = MyDatabase_dat, FILENAME = 'E:\PortableSQL\Data\MyDatabase.mdf') LOG ON (NAME = MyDatabase_log, FILENAME = 'E:\PortableSQL\Data\MyDatabase_log.ldf'); GO attach.sql ms sql server express portable
SqlLocalDB info You should see MSSQLLocalDB as the default instance. On your USB drive (e.g., E:\ ), create: E:\PortableSQL\ ├── Data\ │ ├── MyDatabase
| Database | Portable | SQL Compatibility | Best For | |----------|----------|------------------|-----------| | | Yes (single file) | Partial (no stored procs) | Local apps, mobile | | LiteDB | Yes (C# NoSQL) | LINQ, not T-SQL | .NET apps | | Firebird Embedded | Yes | Close to SQL-92 | Cross-platform | | PostgreSQL (portable) | Community-ported | Full | Advanced SQL needs | FILENAME = 'E:\PortableSQL\Data\MyDatabase_log.ldf')