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.NET Database Programming using VistaDB

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In addition to the tutorials below, in the menu on the right, and the blog articles referenced at the bottom of this page, you can get additional information from our online user manual and the VistaDB community forums

Getting Started Tutorials

Your First App Quickstart

Your first app tutorial shows how to build a basic databound Winforms application using Visual Studio. A screen captured version is also available to view. This example is written in C#, but should be easy to follow for VB.Net programmers as well since most of the demo is using Visual Studio databound controls.

Insert SQL records sample

This sample was written for a user on our forums who wanted to know how to insert 30000 records in a table.  The sample uses DDA and SQL methods to demonstrate both processes.  The SQL uses parameterized queries to demonstrate that concept as well.

Import data into VistaDB

Starting Data Conversion with NorthwindEF

For many years the Northwind database was the benchmark app for many different database vendors. This database was a sample provided with Access by Microsoft (we offer it for download from our public downloads site).  We are now using the NorthwindEF database (which is an updated version including FK's for Entity Framework support).

Many users have used it to learn the basics of database design and coding.  VistaDB can convert the complete Northwind database to VDB4 format (including views, although many of the views in the NorthwindEF database are broken in the original database). 

This tutorial is a walkthrough of how to convert the database and view the data after conversion.  The conversion takes place with the Data Migration Wizard included in VistaDB. 

We also offer the full C# source code as an add-on.  You can also use this convertor to convert data from Access, SQL CE, or SQL Server to VistaDB.  The application support command line parameters as well for running inside a setup app or deployment scenario.

CLR Procs Overview

There is a CLR Procs and Functions overview page that covers the basics of CLR Assemblies and VistaDB.

CLR Procs Overview is the starting point for how to build CLR procs and function, load those assemblies into your VistaDB 4 database, and then call them from SQL or ADO.Net.

There is a CLR Proc Sample Project as well that includes a video intro on building CLR Procs.

Additional VistaDB Resources

Check your local help

Please also check in your local help files for more information and HOWTO articles.  The main help file can be brought up by pressing F1 in the Data Builder, or from the start menu.  An online version of the help file can also be found here.

Check out the VistaDB Forums

Do you have a database related programming task you need help learning?  Visit our forums and post in the Examples forum.  We have a large community of users who might be able to explain or even help with code.  In addition we have a number of sample applications for database programming in the forum already.

NUnit Samples

The NUnit sample project is written in C# and is a fast way to see specific programming features in small chunks of code.  If you are not familiar with NUnit or unit testing it may seem a little strange at first, but the format is pretty easy to understand.  The unit tests are functional examples of how to perform certain database related tasks using only code, there are no databound or visual controls used. 

Blog Articles

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  • Embedded SQL Database
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  • Easy SQL Server migration
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