relative path to data base in web.config

[Can I]

hello,

I'm setting a connectionString for my app

<appSettings>
        <add key="connectionString" value="Provider=Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0;Ole DB Services=-4;
    
      Data Source=C:\Documents and Settings\Can I\Pulpit\asp.net\BookStore\App_Data\BookStore.mdb"/>
    </appSettings>

and I would like not to include absolute path to a data base as it's unconvenient when you move app between two servers. I've tried something like ~\App_Data\BookStore.mdb but it doesn't work. Can you help me with this one?

 

[JohnH]

App_Data\BookStore.mdb should work for relative path, the ~ I think only resolves from a web app path lookup and not in a connection string.

 

[Can I]

not really, it is reslved to
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio 8\Common7\IDE\App_Data\BookStore.mdb

and the Solution's files reside in
C:\Documents and Settings\Can I\Pulpit\asp.net\BookStore

 

[JohnH]

Do you also know the Server.MapPath function? It can translate relative path to absolute. I found when doing some web surfing about this that many store the path in a separate string and do mappath it and combine with the other connection string before connecting. Try it.

 

[cjard]

Asking the question in the "Data Access" subforum of the "ASP.NET" section rather than the "VB.NET" section may illicit a more targeted response from an individual with relevant experience

 

[JohnH]

Asking the question in the "Data Access" subforum of the "ASP.NET" section rather than the "VB.NET" section may illicit a more targeted response from an individual with relevant experience

It was in ASP.Net section yesterday, I don't know why it was moved, but I moved it back now.

 

[Can I]

Do you also know the Server.MapPath function? It can translate relative path to absolute. I found when doing some web surfing about this that many store the path in a separate string and do mappath it and combine with the other connection string before connecting. Try it.

I didn't know that, it's a good idea when you try it form within aspx site, but in my case it doesn't work. Consider this solution structure:

solution
   - web site // contains all aspx and web controls
   - class library project // contains the code, DAOs in particular
   - class library project for tests // that's why I need the code in separate project

as a result I have no Server object availiable in DAO, so how to obtain that relative path then?

 

[JohnH]

Pass Server instance to class then?

 

[Can I]

yes, that's the simplest solution

// ok, I found nicer solution: HttpContext.Current.Server.MapPath

 

[JohnH]

Nice! Easier to use that shared property as a "shortcut" to the instance.