Chapter IV.6. Using Visual Studio with SQL Server

In This Chapter

Most useful programs require some kind of data storage. Often, that's a database program like Microsoft SQL Server. While SQL Server 2008 is the latest release of the popular database program, SQL Server 2005 is what ships with Visual Studio 2008. This will probably change in future releases of Visual Studio 2008. SQL Server 2005 works better than ever with Visual Studio 2008.

This chapter shows you how to install SQL Server 2005 and how to use Visual Studio to create and manage database objects.

Getting Acquainted with SQL Server 2005

SQL Server 2008 is the latest version of the popular Microsoft database management system, but this chapter covers SQL Server 2005 because it ships with Visual Studio 2008. Each edition of Visual Studio includes a license for one of the editions of SQL Server 2005. Table 6-1 lists the editions of SQL Server and describes how to get the program.

Table 6.1. SQL Server Editions

SQL Server Version

When to Use It

How to Get It

Enterprise Edition

In large companies

Purchase separately; retail price $24,999

Standard Edition

In small- and medium-size businesses

Purchase separately; retail price $5,999

Workgroup Edition

In departments or branch offices

Purchase separately; retail price $3,899

Express Edition

For prototypes or local development

Free download from Microsoft Web site; included with all Visual Studio Express Editions and Visual Studio Standard Editions

Developer Edition

For prototypes or local development ...

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