title: Minimum files to run MySQL or MariaDB server on Windows - (Portable MySQL/MariaDB)
body: <p>I am looking for minimum files required by MariaDB or MySQL to run without installing it like a portable server. I prefer MariaDB instead of MySQL. I want to embed it in my software written in Delphi. My software will able to start and stop the server as required. I have googled around but no success.</p>
  
  <p>I have read an article <a href="https://rawgit.com/pts/portable-mariadb/master/portable_mariadb.html" rel="noreferrer">https://rawgit.com/pts/portable-mariadb/master/portable_mariadb.html</a> and <a href="http://www.bluecrownsoftware.com/article/271/Installing-MySQL-without-Root-Access-on-Linux" rel="noreferrer">http://www.bluecrownsoftware.com/article/271/Installing-MySQL-without-Root-Access-on-Linux</a> but it is for Linux and I have no experience with it.</p>
  
  <p>I have also read the article <a href="https://stackoverflow.com/questions/1851174/mysql-portable-version">MySql portable version</a> but this article mentioned MySQL Essential version and I am unable to find it.
  It will be an extra value if I have some configuration file hints for successful running the server.</p>
  
  <p>Thanks in advance.</p>