Local Database Storage

[zenaphex]

I want to practice developing an application for cooking recipes and grocery list management. A database would be perfect for this because I can create the appropriate relationships and such. Anyways, I have been doing a little bit of searching online and I cannot seem to find a solution to work with as far as developing it in Visual C# (using the 2005 Beta1 as of now).

 

What I am trying to accomplish is setting up a local database file with all the table, relations, etc. Have my recipe program all the user to manage their recipes and save this data into the local database file.

 

I setup a database in MS Access 2003 but I came to realize it did not have all the data types I was looking for. So, it looks like setting up a Access MDB to work with isn't going to work out for me. So my question is, how can I accomplish a normal data management program but save and retrieve info from a local database file and not through some client/server SQL connectivity stuff? I need the flexibility of many data types and customization of the data types.

 

Thanks for your assistance in advance. I hope I can get clear on the capabilities with Visual C#.

Edited January 23, 2005 by zenaphex

[michael_hk]

Setup the database (SQL Server, Oracle, whatever) and connect to it using ADO.NET.

 

Don't understand your question... :confused:

[kejpa]

I setup a database in MS Access 2003 but I came to realize it did not have all the data types I was looking for.

What sort of data types do you need?!?

I've never encountered any data type that isn't supported

 

/Kejpa

[zenaphex]

What sort of data types do you need?!?

I've never encountered any data type that isn't supported

 

Excuse my stupidity. I found the data type I was looking for. I come from a MySQL background so the naming conventions were a bit different when working with Access. Everything is cool now using Access DB. :-) Now, just awaiting Visual C# Express Beta 2 with DataGridView improvements (hopefully).

 

I could use your opinion on something though. When I connect a Access DB to my project, what's the best practice for securing the MDB file from those who should not be directly accessing it with a program such as MS Access? I did setup a password for the default Admin user account that was listed for my Access database. Is their anything else I could do with my Access DB for extra protection that you would recommend?

 

Thanks.

[kejpa]

what's the best practice for securing the MDB file from those who should not be directly accessing it

There are two ways of securing a Access database. One is to set a password the other is to make your own system database (system.mdw).

The first option is the simplest and easiest. If you want some users to be able to open the database using Access you just supply them with the password. On the other hand you then give them total management of the database....

The second option is more complex, you have to first create the system database, then you need to create the database using that system database (the other way around doesn't work....) If you want some users to be able to open the database using Access they have to set this special system.mdw as their default system.mdw and connect with username and password. In this system.mdw you can have many users with different levels of management and keep the total management to yourself.

 

Sooo, the bottom line. The first option is simple and safe, the second is complex and safer. Which is better? Sparkling or still spring water? Depends on your taste and preferences.

 

HTH

/Kejpa

[zenaphex]

Thanks kejpa. :-)