# MDF file?

**URL:** <https://forum.kirupa.com/t/mdf-file/279356>\
**Category:** programming\
**Created:** [January 13, 2009, 9:56pm UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/mdf-file/279356 "2009-01-13T21:56:57Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![mr\_white](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a6a055/32.png) [@mr\_white](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/mr_white)\
**Post date:** [January 13, 2009, 9:56pm UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/mdf-file/279356/1 "2009-01-13T21:56:57Z")

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Hello,

What is the purpose of putting an MDF file in the “app\_data” folder?  
is it a way to avoid using microsoft sql server?

currently i’m paying a lot of extra money (more than hosting fees) to my hosting company for mssq database.  
can i use an mdf file like we used to do with \*.mdb files and avoid paying money for mssql server hosting?

can someone please explain.

thank you.