How to embed ArangoDB in a desktop application - database

I would like to embed a graph database in my application (shipping for windows, linux & MAC). I narrowed the search down to ArangoDB & OrientDB. I was able to get embedded OrientDB to work but I'd still like to try ArangoDB to make an informed decision. Documentation for OrientDB embedded version is pretty clear while I can't find anything for ArangoDB. ArangoDB is written in C++ so I also have to figure out how to make it be portable across platforms and how to install it with my application. The usage of ArangoDB (or OrientDB) should be transparent to the users of our application. Thanks!
Update: I forgot to mention, our application is in C++. We were looking for instructions that can help us build ArangoDB binary with our existing modules. We then can figure out how to load the binaries and talk to them.

It's possible to install an instance of ArangoDB with your application installation.
It installs into it's own directory, and its key assets are:
ArangoDB Binaries
ArangoDB Data files
ArangoDB Log files
ArangoDB Foxx Applications (optional)
ArangoDB can run as a service, and it is configured via a file called arangod.conf.
This file centrally controls settings like the ports it runs on, the IP addresses it listens to, the database engine to use, SSL and security settings, and much more.
Taking Windows as an example, you can do a silent installation of ArangoDB, and then use tools like PowerShell or DOS batch files to stop/start the ArangoDB service, copy in an arangod.conf file with your required configuration settings, etc.
It's even possible to generate an SSL certificate and apply it to the ArangoDB instance so that you can have SSL connectivity to the database if required.
Additionally you can utilise the ArangoShell via scripts which allows you to create databases, restore default data from a backup, create ArangoDB users, assign rights.
It sounds like you need to get more comfortable with ArangoDB as a product, and then start to mess around with installing, uninstalling, configuring, and backing up/restoring databases.
I've also evaluated ArangoDB versus OrientDB, and I picked ArangoDB because it runs faster, has many more updates, and their driver packs are well written.
When it comes to embedded databases, you really need a multi-model database, and being able to store standard documents as well as graph data in one database engine, is invaluable.
Additionally, have a really good look at the Foxx MicroService architecture of ArangoDB. It allows you to host business logic behind REST API's and Job Queues running right in the ArangoDB database. This means your application doesn't even need raw table access to the database, rather it can access your data via a REST API and your internal schema is hidden from users, and your business logic stops them doing silly things and wrecking the database.
By having a REST API data layer between your application and the database, it gives you more flexibility on how people consume your data, giving you more options about opening it up in a safe way, knowing your application logic will keep your data safe.
If you chose to use Foxx, there is a cool new tool ArangoDB has released called foxx-cli which lets you script the installation and configuration of Foxx MicroServices in your database. This is a super powerful tool as it's possible to fully install and configure an ArangoDB server, database, and internal settings via installation scripts.
Take time to learn ArangoDB, as with all skills it takes time to really get to know it. I'm still learning something every day and I've only been using it for 2 years :)

If you're using NodeJS (which I have to assume as you don't mention what programming language you're using) as your platform you can use Electron (https://electron.atom.io) and use the ArangoJS (http://npmjs.com/package/arangojs) Driver, if an ORM is necessary I'd recommend using (http://npmjs.com/package/caminte) which has built-in support for ArangoDB, although the documentation being to a poor standard, it should be suffice with some programming knowledge.
OFT: Electron lets you create cross platform Desktop applications in pure HTML, JS and CSS. You can also use Cordova if you're targeting the mobile platform.
You could also use Foxx to perform some of your application logic (this is down to your personal preference) or also create an API platform (with for example Restify).
Most of database systems are written in C++ but that does not mean can only access them via C++, additional drivers are provided for the popular languages. If you use a specific language then update the question so we can help further.
You might also want to read this: https://www.arangodb.com/2018/02/nosql-performance-benchmark-2018-mongodb-postgresql-orientdb-neo4j-arangodb/ as to why ArangoDB would be a better choice for you.
Edit
Due to my limited experience in C++ I can only provide some references which I've saved earlier, but I'm sure they'll be of use to you.
For C++ the driver you should be using is:
https://www.arangodb.com/2017/11/introduction-fuerte-arangodb-c-plus-plus-driver/
An example of the usage of the driver:
https://www.arangodb.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/C-Example-Source-Code-File.cc
A simple example / tutorial on how to use graphing in ArangoDB:
https://docs.arangodb.com/3.2/Manual/Graphs/
A free course by Arango on Graphing:
https://www.arangodb.com/arangodb-graph-course/
Hope they help!

Related

Multi connection to Access database accdb

I'm building online examination system and i want to use accdb for database. My question is will accdb allow multiple students to read the test from the database?
not clear what you mean by on-line? Do you mean you are building a web based applcation of some sort?
Access does allow multiple users to work against the database at the same time. This typically means that you split the database into a front end (application part) and the back end - a accDB with just the tables.
And you can use the access database (engine) to drive data for a web site. However, you don't and can't use VBA or the access forms for this purpose.
Since you ONLY useing the tables and not anything else releated to Access when you build such a on-line system? Then in most cases, little if any reason exists to use the access data engine, since any of the business code and UI will be built with different tools then Access. And every web site hosting these days offers MySQL, or SQL server or some other database.
These other database systems are far more approcilate and work better with multi-user operations.
So, keep in mind when you use the term "Access", you are talking about two parts:
The data base engine - (ACE, or previous called JET). This data engine (like most database engines) does not provide any UI, reporting or anything, but is just a system to hold the tables and data. You then write the web based "on-line" software with asp.net, or whatever technology stack that you are familier with.
The 2nd part of access is the so called IDE (integrated development enviroment). That part of access lets you write code, build forms, and build reports. However, that part is not web based, and thus using the term "on-line" does not really apply here. Access IDE when used is strictly 100% desktop only.
In fact, often, if you need a multi-user applcation, we often will build + use MS-Access to build that windows desktop software, but will still choose to use a server based database system like SQL server or mySQL.
So, access alone does not really give rise to a "on-line" system, and that would require that you adopt a set of web based development tools.

UWP SQLite CodenameOne with native interface

I see that Codename One does not support SQLite database on UWP. Does this functionality will be added later as SQLite is now included in the UWP SDK ?
In order to bypass this limitation, is it possible to had a native interface ? Documentation talks about IOS and Android but UWP...
Many thanks.
The UWP port is slowly maturing in beta so things like sqlite aren't implemented yet. I've filed an RFE and set it for 3.7 which is scheduled for early 2017: https://github.com/codenameone/CodenameOne/issues/1889
This might be implemented sooner but it is hard to tell...
Normally we schedule tasks based on requests from enterprise customers and we are currently bogged down with tasks. In fact one of the things we need to do for the UWP port (which we will probably do sooner) is implement native interfaces properly.
Assuming native interfaces will get implemented soon (which should be the case), doing this in a native interface will be VERY challenging!
Database access is complex and would require a large/elaborate porting layer.
If you are really serious about doing this yourself the best way is to do it thru a pull request. You can just fork our git project http://github.com/codenameone/CodenameOne/ and hack the SQL support into the UWP port. If you get something working you can contribute it back via a pull request and it will get incorporated.
Other possible strategies moving forward would be:
Try to use other storage options such as Storage for your data. Those are far more portable
Try to port a lightweight database such as HSql to Codename One. This would require some work but might be rewarding
Wait for us to do that or optionally sign up as an enterprise developer and make us do it sooner

Best methods for developing on/from a cloud server?

I recently landed myself on a project that, like most projects today, relies on multiple relational databases and also, like most projects today, relies on the flexibility and security of cloud computing.
I got into cloud services a little over a month ago and since then I've tackled the basics of most the services that Amazon Web Services offers but have only tested and deployed personal projects.
Now I will be working on a clients server and its a hefty instance, therefore I need to research the best method for developing a pre-existing application on a cloud server. Also bare in mind that the data stored in the databases is also being updated 'live'/dynamically.
I assume it's still good practise to take a local copy to work on? In that case, is the best method to download the whole server using ssh? If so, are there any alternatives? I feel that just downloading the whole server and setting it all back up bit by bit (including the data 'stream') will be very time consuming for such a big application connected to such big databases.
Is there something a little more elegant?
If you are working on a cloud environment you may have developement environment.
You may have a local repository but nothing more than your IDE and your versionning tool.
All your service might be provided by the cloud and the most efficient way to test you code is to do it on a target Image.
personally ,I use cloud foundry or IBM Bluemix with my git repository. I push directly the modifications when i want to test.
you can use cloud services,you dont have to think about server setup/services.you will just need a repository like git.
you can follow below sample link for getting started on configuration on bluemix:
https://hub.jazz.net/tutorials
https://www.facebook.com/ibmswg?ref=hl&ref_type=bookmark

Deployable DB Interface

I have a database that I need to distribute to users (it's a directory of contact details) probably on CDs.
Users have varying platforms (OS and device wise - I'm willing to target desktops hence CDs).
I was thinking of some kind of deployable webapp that would provide a nice interface and a sqlite database. Does some kind of db interface exist with a highly customisable ui? Or does someone have a better way of doing this?
How big is the database? One simplistic option would be to generate a "contacts" webpage and burn this to the CD. Users can then search this from their browser or perhaps you could do it for them using javascript.
If you really need a DB then you're looking at an embedded database of some sort, however, since you've suggested sqlite I suspect you know this already and are looking at user interface options.
You have not specified a technology, so I'll just list several frameworks designed to develop database backed webapps:
Grails (Groovy/Java)
Rails (Ruby)
Django (Python)
All the above operate in a development mode that uses an embedded database (H2 or Sqlite). Your only challenge will be to ensure their runtime environments are properly configured, or shipped on the CD as well.
In conclusion, I pretty certain this has been done before. Have you also considered just shipping an installer for your webapp, rather than worry about the complexities of getting something to run from CD? For example you might wish to support more than one platform: Linux, Windows, Mac, etc.
Update
Someone has thought of doing this:
http://www.benjysbrain.com/misc/cdsite/

Advice on a DB that can be uploaded to a website by a smart client for collecting survey feedback

I'm hoping you can help.
I'm looking for a zero config multi-user datbase that my winforms application can easily upload to a webserver folder (together with 1 or 2 classic asp pages) and am looking for some suggestions/recommendations.
The idea is that the database will be used to collect feedback entered by people filling in the asp pages. The pages will write to the database using javascript.
The database will subsequently be downloaded again for processing once the responses are in.
In Summary:
It will mostly run in MS Windows environments.
I have a modest budget for this and do not mind paying for such a database.
No runtime licensing costs.
Should be xcopy - Once uploaded to a website folder it should be operational.
It should not have a dotnet CLR dependency.
It should support a resonable level of concurrent access. Average respondent count would be around 20-30 but one never knows.
Should be a reasonable size so that uploads/downloads to and from the site will be reasonably fast.
Would appreciate your suggestions/comments
Many thanks
Abz
To clarify - this is a desktop commercial application for feedback management in a vertical market. It uses SQL Server as the backing store.
The application currently provides feedback management from email and paper feedback. I now want to add web feedback capability. Getting users to to make their SQL servers accessible to a website is not at option at this time as I am want to make getting up and running as painless as possible.
I intend to release a web based implementation of the software in the near future but for now am looking at the above as a pragmatic way to provide web based feedback collection.
SQLite comes to mind. It meets all of your stated requirements, is open source, and has a liberal license (public domain).
http://sqlite.org/
I would use 'normal' database (say MySql, Postgresql, Firebird, etc.) on server. Instead of copying files to server your winforms application would create custom tables (or even custom databases). After collecting data you could just get it back to your application using plain old SQL.
why reinvent the wheel ? If you want to collect feedback and stuffs from users of your app and if they are connected to internet, it might be a better idea - and in the long term cheaper - to use a service like wufoo. We recently switched from homegrown setup to wufoo and are very pleased. Check it out.
Otherwise you might want to take a look at sqlite orfirebird. Both of them are very robust, and have ADO.NET providers. Firebird scales from a single user to full blown client server system and has no .NET dependency.
If you really don't want a DB/SQL Solution, you could try simple text files and ftp/xcopy files down and parse them into the back-office server as needed. ASP/VBScript or ASP.NET can create the files to store the basic feedback comments. Need to consider security of course!

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