Database question

[dreamdelerium]

hey everyone. i just wanted to get some feedback. i want to create a program in vb.net (using visual basic 2008 express edition) that will be run on several computers in a facility, linked to a central database located on a server. i want to also create a feature that would allow the central database link up to an off site db (via the internet) and update it.

my question is, what would be the database to use? ive been working a great deal with Microsoft Access but ive read that access does poorly when multiple people are accessing the same database at the same time and also has problems with tables with large amount of records.

thanks for the advice
jason

 

[jmcilhinney]

SQL Server is the obvious choice for its tight integration with Visual Studio. The Express edition is free and can work with databases up to 4GB. The same data files can be used with a full version without restriction if the need to migrate arises in the future.

There are other choices too of course: Oracle, MySQL, etc., etc.

 

[dreamdelerium]

re:

thanks for your reply. a few questions:
1. is seems that using SQL server is more complicated then using access?
2. what are the steps i need to take to start using SQL server with my application (so that i can start developing) or is it as simple as using the data source config wizzard and selecting "Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5"
3. if thats the case, how do i design the tables and manually insert records (for testing purposes) or does everything need to be done through vb.net express edition?

thanks for your help
jason

 

[jmcilhinney]

Well, you won't be using SQL Server CE for a start. That is for local databases only. If you want multiple clients to access a single database then you need a database server. You should install SQL Server Express if you haven't already. VB 2008 can handle both 2005 and 2008, assuming you've installed SP1.

Now, there are two ways you can add a database:

1. Add a database directly to your project and have it attached to the server on demand.
2. Create the database on the server and then connect to it.

Option 1 is done through VS but it is not the way to go if you want multiple clients to connect to the same database.

Option 2 is for you. Make sure you've installed SQL Server Management Studio Express. If you don't already have it you can download it from MSDN. It's similar to VS but provides a management interface to SQL Server. You can create a build a database there, then add a Data Source to your project that connects to it, or create your own data access connections in code.

 

[dreamdelerium]

thank you. im in the process of downloading and installing sql server 2008 express right now. i should be up and running soon. more questions to follow soon enough...