Database Basic Understanding
After doing more research I believe that I am getting a bit closer to understanding website databases. Let me give this a try.
In order to have a login feature and manage users I need to utilize .aspx pages, ASP.net login tools, a database file, and the same server program both on my local machine and on the host machine to host it.
The connection that I make in my website to the database file that is stored in its App_Data folder is referring to the server program that acts as an intermediary between my .aspx pages and the database file.
So that my web hosting company will need to support both the database file [version?] and the Server version.
How does that sound for basics?
- Edited byctctc Thursday, April 17, 2008 11:59 AMClarify
All Replies
You are on the right track.
First, there are two ways to hook a database to SQL Server. One is to attach it, usign sp_attach (or the attach command in Management Studio (Express Manager) - which uses the sp_attach) and the other is to attach the file through config. The second is how you attach a database in your App_Data folder.
In order to use the logon feature, you need to attach the database somehow (either by sp_attach or config). You also need the proper database connection string in the web.config file. This is done for you locally, but you might have to change this on your ISP's server, depending on how they have things set up. In fact, the connection string is the first thing I would examine if things go awry.
In order to use the App_Data folder for SQL Server, your ISP must support SQL Server 2005. That is pretty much it. If they support it on the web box (most likely SQL Express) your App_Data attach will work. If not, you might have to work with them to get your data into the database. Some ISPs will also give you the ability to control the Membership database (add roles and users, etc).
Provided there is a SQL Server (even Express) instance on the web box, the worst you will generally have to do is alter connection string.
Hope that helps.
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Think outside the boxThank you.
The web host that I am publishing my site to supports both Microsoft Access databases and SQL Server 2005. Unfortunately the SQL Server 2005 support is not available for my web hosting package. My options are either to utilize Microsoft Access database or upgrade to the SQL Server 2005 support. Since this feature of my website will not be directly generating any revenue I am leaning towards the Microsoft Access database solution.
Can you please point me in the right direction on what tools are required [I created this site with Expression Web, and I have utilized Visual Web Developer 2008 Express' ASP.net Configuration tool] and how I would go about doing this?- I am not a database wiz, but you might want to check out this $10 tutorial product from WebAssist.com.
Database Starter Kit for .NET 1.0.0
http://www.webassist.com/professional/products/productdetails.asp?PID=126
It is a tutorial product for using EW and databases. I haven't read through the tutorial yet. Its for use with EW and an Access database, and I assume a asp.net host. They will also tell you how to change to a sql database.
"Start your database engines! The Database Starter Kit for .NET combines the tools and knowledge you need to start building databsase-driven sites. Three full-featured database schemas in Microsoft Access format are included, yours to use as-is or modify however you like. A 7 part interactive tutorial trains you to create your own database, set it up in Expression Web, add data to the page and even publish database online. Get the Database Starter Kit for .NET and get on the Web design fast track."
