I need a database for a web project (and for off-line projects as well). The problem is I don’t know where to start and googling returns more advanced stuff. Where do I start?
I already have Visual Studio 2010 and Visual Web Developer 2010 installed (both – the express version). I’m not sure I have what is needed for SQL (which, correct me if I’m wrong, is what I need for databases). In my start button I have two folders named “Microsoft SQL Server 2008” (one of them with an “R2” at the end). But my computer isn’t a server, just a PC. Am I supposed to install something on my PC? If so – which of the two? (The one with the “R2” or the one without it)
All I need is to create a simple database so I can store and retrieve information easily instead of reading a text file….
Sounds like you have all the tools you need to get started, however you might also need SQL Management Studio as well.
But “How to start creating and using databases?” is sort of a broad question. If your question is really about application design, then you would start ‘creating databases’ when you’ve defined your model. Once your model is defined, then you can start creating the database.
If your question really is about creating and using databases, SQL Management Studio should get you on the right track. It’s a point n’ click way to creating databases, tables, stored procs, etc.
Using the database… hmmm. The easiest way is to integrate Microsoft’s Enterprise Library 5. Again, point n’ click interface to setting up the connection in your web.config (or app.config) and plenty of examples.