Which Database?

[GSD4ME]

Dear all
I want to develop a database that purely runs for me, on my laptop, in my home - ie no cloud computing/access required from anyone else. The main/most relevant requirement is that Java is not required - I will not allow Java on my machine under any circumstances. I have tried using LibreOffice Base but the wizards require Java to work properly [LO are supposedly developing a Java-free version but that has been promised for ages]. Has anyone any views? Firebird looks promising but am not 100% sure about the Java influence/requirement [or not]. There seems to be a plethora of free available suites but, as usual, personal recommendation is always a good place to start

[AuntPollyGrey]

5...4....3...2....1......

[Buenchico]

^^^ APG seems to be assuming that this post is from a spammer, despite the fact that it comes from a member who's been here for 17 years!

To be pedantic, Java is a programming language, which you shouldn't need, per se, to run/develop any database on a Windows machine. I assume though that the reference to 'Java' in your post is actually to JRE (Java Runtime Environment). I can think of no reason why you wouldn't want it on your computer unless, possibly, you're confusing it with JavaScript which might (under very limited circumstances) lead to security issues with your computer.

You've used the word 'develop' in your post, which would suggest to me that you're seeking a database that functions at 'developer level'. With such an assumption, PostgreSQL might be worth a look:
https://www.postgresql.org
or, if a NoSQL database would meet your needs, possibly Apache Cassandra
https://cassandra.apache.org

However you've then gone on to mention a database (LibreOffice Base) which has already been 'developed' and now simply needs to be put to use. Unfortunately I doubt that any such database will run on Windows without JRE. You'd probably need to hunt down an older style 'card index' type of database to meet such needs (which could prove difficult as most were designed to run on older versions of Windows, such as 95 or XP, are might not be compatible with Windows 10).

[ToraToraTora]

what have you got against Java? I'm not a huge fan myself but I'd use it if I needed too. What's the application data structure? You can probably do it with Excel or if necessary Access then you wont need to do any programming anyway.

[archibaldy]

Microsoft SQL Express is free for home use and is pretty easy to install and use in my experience and the GUI is pretty good.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/sql-server/sql-server-downloads

[GSD4ME]

A better choice of words from me should have read "implement a database" rather than "develop ...". As for Java - having been involved in the software industry all my life, I have seen the damage that Java AND Javascript can do and, despite having the full gamut of anti-virus etc software installed on my laptop, I am not willing to take the risk of letting them anywhere near my machines. As was hinted, I use LibreOffice rather than Microsoft tools and yes, I could implement the whole thing via a spreadsheet with purpose-written GUI and record retrieval - just being slightly lazy. My take on the Aunt Polly Grey comment was that "Firebird" was misread as "Thunderbird" (which I also use as a mail server)and the start of the TV series had a countdown showing the relevant Thunderbirds. However I have chosen archibaldy's post as my preferred answer as SQL Express has installed easily and seems (currently) to do what I want but I may have to revert to spreadsheet macros and form design!!!!
Thanks to all.