I am working on a website that has access data from a database (sql server). It will also be adding, updating deleting records in the database. It seems like there is an MDF file that gets created containing the database schema and all the records I guess? Once development is complete and I want to move this database to a real server then all I need to do is move this MDF file to the real server and that is it? is it that simple? or not really?
Also, I hope the MDF file is not a read-only file and can be updated/modified or is it?
Yes, the MDF data file (and the associated *.LDF transaction log file) contains all the database objects that make up your system.
And yes, you can definitely detach a database (an .MDF/.LDF file pair) from your (dev) SQL Server, copy it onto another “real” Production SQL Server, and re-attach it there, without loss of data or information.
Yes, the MDF file is modifyable – through the SQL Server commands and methods. You should never tamper with the file yourself, directly (flipping bits). Use SQL Server and its official interfaces (T-SQL, ADO.NET etc.) to work with your data.