title: How to distribute SQL database with application?
body: <p>I'm developing a WPF desktop application, and the database currently resides in SQL Server Express 2012. The app is undergoing acceptance testing, and periodically I have to backup my database and restore it on the tester's PC. This is setting alarm bells ringing that distribution is going to be a pain when we come to start working with customers - I don't like the idea of them having to use SSMS.</p>
  
  <p>I wondered if there was any way to distribute the mdf file and have my application connect to that "directly"? I've seen examples of connection strings that specify an MDF file/path, and wondered if it was really that simple or does it still need attaching in SSMS first? (I'm guessing so, otherwise how would you configure things like users and roles?).</p>