Question

I have a project to work on. The project requires SQL server. I am using LINQ. So since I dont have SQL server installed on my computer, is it possible I can just use the LINQ designer to create my classes? And then when I do publish my website to a online hosting company, I can use the LINQ to create the tables and stuff?

Is this overly complicated? I want to stay away from using SQLite, or SQL Server Express or SQL server compact because its hard to transfer stuff. Atleast for me. My one problem is also that I want to use ASP.NET Membership stuff. If I run the .exe tool to automatically create my tables, how would I accomplish this without using a db? I tried using SQL server compact (mdf file i think?) but apparently the tool does not support it.

So what are my options here. I’d like to being programming right away however paying for hosting online is just a waste of money for me right now until i have some of the project done.

Answer 1

Two things you can do

1. Install Sql Server Express on your development machine (or a server on your LAN). This way you will have a local database to develop and test on.
2. Not necessary, but you “could” try to use Entity Framework in place of LINQ, and use Code First mapping.

Also with Sql Server Express, you can do a lot of your database work right from Visual Studio (providing you’re running VS Pro).

I want to stay away from using SQLite, or SQL Server Express or SQL server compact because its hard to transfer stuff. Atleast for me.

Upgrading shouldn’t be too difficult.

My one problem is also that I want to use ASP.NET Membership stuff. If I run the .exe tool to automatically create my tables, how would I accomplish this without using a db? I tried using SQL server compact (mdf file i think?) but apparently the tool does not support it.

aspnet_regsql.exe works on Sql Server Express