what is the point to having the MSDE if no tools to work with it?

[Rousseau10]

Is it for use with an application the accesses the db. Or do I have to do everything from command prompt.
Can I create a table and add data to it from a command prompt.

On the same note. What do they mean by an engine. What does engine mean here. Like a compiler?

tanks!

sorry for stupid questions

I was the first American Soldier to put a basketball hoop up in Iraq, only to have it stolen by a soldier from different camp. Newbee - Adam

 

[SimonTheSponge]

The MSDE stands for Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine and is a stripped down version of SQL server that is free. It is essentially just a version of the SQL Server service with no front end utilities like Enterprise manager, Query Analyzer etc although the MSDE "engine" itself is also cut down.

"Engine" basically means the bit that does the work - Enterprise Manager, Query Analyser, Profiler are all just pretty front-ends that allow the user or developer a friendly ways of interacting with, setting up and configuring the engine

It's purpose is to allow developers to write applications for SQL server on stand-alone machines/very small networks without the need for buying a full version of SQL server. It's also useful to deploy as a desktop database. If for example you have developed a full client-server application, but have the requirement to implement it on a desktop without having to re-write/configure/tweak it for a desktop database (access, foxpro, paradox) and it means that the customers don't have the SQL tools to do any damage ;-). Essentially I think the key selling point of MSDE is the ability do down size an application without changing the database back-end

 

[Rousseau10]

super thanks. If I would have know about msde I would not have written a vb6 app using access, I would have used msde and packaged it will my intaller program. hmm.. the things you learn too late.

But eye no 4 the neckst time!

I was the first American Soldier to put a basketball hoop up in Iraq, only to have it stolen by a soldier from different camp. Newbee - Adam