How do I create a simple Windows form to access a SQL Server database?

Posted by NoCatharsis on Stack Overflow See other posts from Stack Overflow or by NoCatharsis
Published on 2011-01-03T22:26:01Z Indexed on 2011/01/03 22:53 UTC
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Filed under:

c#

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sql

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database

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winforms

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sql-server-express

I believe this is a very novice question, and if I'm using the wrong forum to ask, please advise.

I have a basic understanding of databasing with MS SQL Server, and programming with C++ and C#. I'm trying to teach myself more by setting up my own database with MS SQL Server Express 2008 R2 and accessing it via Windows forms created in C# Express 2010. At this point, I just want to keep it to free or Express dev tools (not necessarily Microsoft though).

Anyway, I created a database using the instructions provided here and I set the data types appropriately for each column (no errors in setup at least).

Now I'm designing the GUI in C# Express but I've kind of hit a wall as far as the database connection.

Is there a simple way to access the database I created locally using C# Express? Can anyone suggest a guide that has all this spelled out already?

I am a self-learner so I look forward to teaching myself how to use these applications, but any pointers to start me off in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

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