How do I get my program to run on different machines without needing an installer?

Question

I've created a program which is using a MySql.* reference for MySql commands. The program works great on my own PC, where I have the MySQL Connector/NET installed. Although when trying to use the program on another PC, it gives me a JIT error saying MySql.Data reference is missing.

Note: I don't actually publish the program duo to it's simplicity and because I prefer having a portable application, so I just grab the exe out of my Visual Studio\Projects\appDayZAdmin\appDayZAdmin\bin\Debug folder.

Is there any way for me to get this program to work on other PC's who don't necessarily have the connector installed? Or will I have no other option but to actually publish the project thus making an installer for it?

Answer 1

If you've written code to reference MySql.Data, you're going to either have to make it a precondition for using your program or offer a way to install it.

You might be able to assume availability of some generic database interface like OBDC or JDBC, but that won't be true on some percentage of systems. Even then, you may have versioning issues.