How are .mdf files used by SQL server?

[david7777777777]

After implementing SharePoint services for the first time, I'm trying to figure out how it uses SQL Server. I've just discovered that it doesn't create databases in SQL Server like I'm used to doing. Instead, SharePoint is creating .mdf files in the file system.

How do these "database files" differ from a database created within SQL Server?

Thanks.

 

[SQLBill]

The .mdf file is the data for the database. The schema is maintained in the MASTER database. (I think .mdf stands for Master Data File).

-SQLBill

 

[david7777777777]

Is there a particular topic in BOL that could assist me in learning more on this relationship between a schema inside SQL server and data outside the SQL server? Thanks.

 

[SQLBill]

It's not inside/outside of SQL Server. The .mdf file is part of SQL Server. The master database maintains schema information in the master.mdf

Try the following under SQL Server Architecture:
System Databases and Data
Physical Database Files and Filegroups

-SQLBill