Do I Need To Buy SQL Developer Edition

[irasmith]

Do I need to buy the SQL Developer Edition to do VB.NET development on my machine which I need to have access SQL databases?

 

I am learning VB.NET on my XP Pro machine here at home. I want to do programs that use database connectivity. I had initilaly just downloaded sql2ksp3 as per the VB.NET Standard instructions and went through it's install. The install went fine but after that the SQL icon on my toolbar doesn't show green or red, but blank white. I can't find any instructions on configuring it.

 

I did see on the Microsoft site though information that sql2ksp3 needs to be applied atop the developer edition once it is installed.

 

So I guess my question is, do I need to acquire the developer edition of SQL and install it before I can connect to a SQL database here on my machine and work on programming or is the sql2ksp3 download enough to do what I want?

Thanks,

Ira

[PlausiblyDamp]

You will need either SQL or MSDE installed.

[irasmith]

Thanks for your input on my question. I am sorting through my own confusion as I learn more.

 

I am going to start off with the 120 day trial version of SQL and get an order going for the Developer Edition of SQL in the meantime.

Thanks,

Ira

[Derek Stone]

You don't need to buy try or buy anything if you don't wish to. MSDE is a completely free download, and features most of what SQL Server has to offer. I use it for development on a regular basis, and will only be upgrading to the $40 Developer's Edition for full-text search capabilities that are required for one of my projects.

[irasmith]

I also thank you for your reply and feedback.

 

I will admit I was somewhat confused yesterday when I first began the journey into these waters.

 

I had originally downloaded the sql2kdesksp3.exe file and went through the install steps. It seemed to install just fine giving me the normal icon on my task bar that I have grown accustomed to seeing when SQL is installed locally.

 

But I did not seem to be able to locate the Enterprise Manager or Query Analyizer like I normally would on the list of programs. I also could not seem to get it started when I would click on the icon as it would indicate it was not started.

 

This morning I uninstalled it with the Add/Remove programs. I then downloaded the 120 day trial version of SQL and installed that. This provided me with the things that I am used to seeing and working with and was able to see and query things like the Northwind database.

 

I don't object to acquiring the $40 odd dollar developer edition of SQL as I can see uses I will have for it as I go deeper with VB.NET.

 

The thing I think I am confused about is this, and if you can help me understand this better I would appreciate it.

 

Does SQL come in a 'personal' edition such that if I had a VB.NET app that say acted as a name/address book that app could use a 'personal' SQL that is only loaded on the workstation that the app is in which to store the data in some small simple tables?

 

Is this what the 'desktop' version of SQL is that I have seen referenced by the sql2kdesksp3.exe?

 

Since I have downloaded and successfully installed the 120 trial version of SQL, do I still need to install sql2kdesksp3.exe also?

 

Sorry for asking this, however at times I can get confused and this is one of those times.

Ira :cool:

[Derek Stone]

MSDE is exactly what you're looking for if you want to develop an address book type application. It can be easily installed alongside your application if you choose to redistribute it.

 

And while you know longer need the MSDE setup, you might as well keep it for the future. Additionally, make sure the trial version you downloaded is up-to-date with Service Pack 3 for SQL Server installed.

[irasmith]

Thank you for clarifying things for me.

 

The trial version of SQL I obtained from the downloads area of the MS site is Release A, which is noted to have the updated alread contained in it for the slammer worm matter.

 

Yes, I will hold onto the sql2kdesksp3.exe file for future use. I do like the idea of being able to re-distribute a desktop version of it with a VB.NET application that has need for a small database to store its data in tables.

 

I had often wondered how I would accomplish that task and this seems to be the tool that will allow me to do it. I won't go into questions now of how to do it, I'll let my studies get me to that point first and then post questions if I have them.

Thanks,

Ira

 

:)

[fcoreyesv]

To start up your SQL Server:

Make a double in your icon

select SQL server from SERVCES

Type your computer name

Press Start.

 

Regarding the Enterprise manager you can get a free program named dbamgr2k

 

let me know if you have questions

 

Jose Reyes