What type of storage 1

[dseaver]

I plan on making a program that is going to store a large amount of data. I want to use a SQL structure, or something similar. What would be the best way of storing the data? Should I have my program install 2005 SQL Server Express or some free Sql Server, or use an Access file? How much different is it to access Access than it is to access SQL Server 2005?

I have worked with programming between SQL Server and C# before.

 

[JurkMonkey]

When you say a large amount of data - how much are you talking? And are you going to be storing files/binary data in the DB?

P.S. "Access" is a profanity to my ears!

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[AlexCuse]

I'm with JurkMonkey, don't use access. It'll cause you lots of headaches down the road, especially if your users have access installed on their PC's and can get in there and muck things up.

I've been playing around a lot with SQL Server Compact lately. It has pretty limited capabilities, but depending on your needs this might be worth looking into. For clean installs you can essentially script the whole db creation without having to rely on com libraries and all that mess. I'd certainly consider using it over access, if I needed a local database.



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[dseaver]

its mostly going to store strings, but the more its used, the more strings it will hold, i figured access would be a pain, Ill have to check out Sql server compact, thanks

 

[dseaver]

I assume you have to install the SS C to use it, is that correct? I am looking for an option that I will be able to distribute easily with my program.

 

[AlexCuse]

The SQL Ce runtime is pretty lightweight (its designed primarily for use on mobile devices, I think 1.5-2 MB), and I am not even sure you'd need to install that (separately anyway).

Read this (assumes your on 2.0 framework)

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa983341(VS.80).aspx

and this about deploying with your application:

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa983326(VS.80).aspx

Hope this helps,

Alex

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[dseaver]

I started messing around with the sql server compact stuff in VS2008, and I could easily create and open the database, Awesome information!

 

[AlexCuse]

Oh man, you are using VS2008? In 2008 it is even easier, and from what I've read version 3.5 (of SQL CE) has a lot of enhancements.

I've not gotten my hands on the full VS 2008 yet (waiting to see if I can get it through MSDN Academic for free in the near future, and I don't see us getting it at work very soon), but from what I've seen in the express edition I don't think I'll be using access as a local database very much any more.

Post back if you run into any crippling limitations, this is uncharted territory for me too but I've got some hopes to extend its' capabilities a little bit. It'd be nice to know in advance whether there is anything to work around.

Have fun, and remember - This is your brain on Access:

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[dseaver]

I got my copy of VS2008 from my schools MSDNAA

 

[JurkMonkey]

I installed 2008 today at work

You may want to check out MySQL also depending on the scale of your application. It is quite powerful for a free DB and there is a .Net Adapter for it - also free.

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[dseaver]

How hard is it to get Sql Server CE to work with visual studio 2005? I see that the references aren't in the .Net ones like they are in VS2008. I assume that I'll have to go out and download various packages, won't I? (I'm at work with regards to this one, so my VS2008 at home isn't going to help)

 

[AlexCuse]

You need to add a reference to "Microsoft SQL Mobile" (under .NET tab of the Add Reference window), then you can use System.Data.SqlServerCe.

I'm sure there are compatibility issues with 2008 version, but for basic tasks you should be fine.

Hope this helps,

Alex

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[dseaver]

Awesome, thanks Alex. The good thing is I won't have to deal with VS2008 compatibility issues, because this is for a completely unrelated project. Too bad I can't give you more than 1 star

 

[AlexCuse]

I'm not 100% certain on this, but I think there's more to life than little purple stars ;-)

I'm glad you got it working, that is the important part

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