Any need to compact a read-only database?

[jal]

I have an Access 2003 db (.mdb file) that the users will connect to only on a read-only basis. I will compact it before installing it on their machines.

If they only run Select queries on it, will the database expand?

 

[vbaInet]

Images, memo fields, opening recordsets (even if it was closed), performing certain operations etc could increase the size of the db by a miniscule amount. From my point of view it wouldn't matter much. You could however run a periodic or quarterly Compact/Repair just to keep things "tidy".

Have you tested it to see the result?

 

[jal]

Thanks for the information. No, I haven't tested, as I am still in the early stages of developing a program to populate the database. I'm using it to index several thousands of textfiles for the sake of fast searching.

But your post is very reassuring. The user will update the index weekly - I don't mind forcing a compact once a week. i just wanted to make sure that he doesn't need to compact after every user-session.

 

[vbaInet]

Even once a month would do. Just monitor the size as you go along and compact more if needs be.

Good luck with the rest of your development.