Connect student version of vb.net to a sql database?

[Frank]

Hi

I am a poor student studying towards my MCSD. I have managed to get a
cheapish student version of vb.net. Problem is that this version does not
connect to sql databases and I need it to because access ... well I just do!
I was wondering if anybody knows of any 3rd party tools or com objects etc
that would enable me to make this life giving connection?

Thanks

Frank - its a long shot, I know

 

[james]

Hi

I am a poor student studying towards my MCSD. I have managed to get a cheapish student version of vb.net. Problem is that this
version does not connect to sql databases and I need it to because access ... well I just do! I was wondering if anybody knows
of any 3rd party tools or com objects etc that would enable me to make this life giving connection?

Thanks

Frank - its a long shot, I know

Not knowing exactly which version you have, I can only guess it is the Standard version. If that is the case you can connect to
a SQL database, but, will have to write the code yourself. There are no Database Wizards in the Standard Versions.

Start here http://www.connectionstrings.com/

To find connections strings to use.

There is plenty of Database examples that don't rely on Database Wizards online.

Here's a good one: http://msdn.microsoft.com/data/DataFundamentals/dataaccess/default.aspx


And this one should have a lot of answers to your questions too:

http://www.xtremevbtalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=107

These three links should give you a good start.
Good luck,
james

 

[Marina]

And given that he is a student, you don't do much learning having the wizard
do everything for you.

 

[Frank]

You are quite right. I had falsely assumed that connections were not
possible at all The error message that pops up "Unable to connect to
database. It is only possible to connect to SQL Server Desktop Engine
databases and Microsoft Access databases with this version of Visual
Studio." is a bit misleading because it makes it sound like sql cannot be
used at all, whereas the standard version just doesn't include the database
wizard. It is totally possible (and probably good habit) to just connect
through code.

Frank Hayward
http://www.apricot.topfreewebhosting.com
(e-mail address removed)

 

[james]

Yes, as another poster stated, you will learn much more coding the connections yourself. And also you will have much more
control over the how things are done. It's more work, but, much more versitle than using Wizards. Between the links I posted
and using Google, there is not too much you cannot find on the subject.
james