Chapter 1: Introduction to Database Programming with ADO.NET

Overview

A Database is an organized collection of information that is divided into tables. Each table is further divided into rows and columns; these columns store the actual information. You access a database using Structured Query Language (SQL), which is a standard language supported by most database software including SQL Server, Access, and Oracle.

In this chapter, you'll see a C# program that connects to a SQL Server database, retrieves and displays the contents stored in the columns of a row from a table, and then disconnects from the database. You'll also see programs that connect to Access and Oracle databases.

You'll also learn about Microsoft's rapid application development (RAD) tool, Visual Studio .NET (VS .NET). VS .NET enables you to develop, run, and debug programs in an integrated development environment. This environment uses all the great features of Windows, such as the mouse and intuitive menus, and increases your productivity as a programmer.

In the final sections of this chapter, you'll see how to use the extensive Microsoft documentation that comes with the .NET Software Development Kit (SDK) and VS .NET. You'll find this documentation invaluable as you become an expert with ADO.NET and C#. You'll also learn how to use the SQL Server documentation.

Featured in this chapter:

• Obtaining the required software

• Developing your first ADO.NET program

• Connecting to Access and Oracle databases

• Introducing Visual Studio .NET

• Using the .NET documentation

• Using the SQL Server documentation