SQL database questions

I am going to write a database program using VB 2005 Express. I assume I am better off using the SQL database (which I've never used) rather than Access (which I've used before).

So to start constructing an SQL database, the only way I can see is to add an SQL database item to my VB application. Is there a stand-alone external method to create an SQL database or to add/modify/delete data without going through the VB express application?

And finally, I do not want to use data binding controls. With the help of others here, I can connect my current access database through code, create a dataset, and perform the control I need.

Since I've now created an SQL database, I see that there is a myTest.mdf and myTestDataSet.xsd files now in my application. It seems this takes care of the connection part of it for me. What do I need to do to access this dataset directly, for example, something like:

intRowCount = myTestDataSet.Tables(0).Rows.Count

Thanks.

Greg

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I assume I am better off using the SQL database (which I've never used) rather than Access (which I've used before).

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Definitely, I'd stay away from Access as from now on.
As for SQL Server you might be interested in using SQL 2005 Express if your app is going to be multiuser or the new or rather rebranded SQl Server Compact Edition http://www.microsoft.com/sql/edition...t/default.mspx
You can use it for both Mobile devices as well as for standalone desktop apps

There is a free management tool - available from MS...

Here's the link:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/sql/

Third image down is about Management Studio - great utility for building and managing the server and database.

There are also many code examples available at the MS site - RhinoBull suggested a link recently - search for his name and "code examples" and see what comes up...

OK, so now that I'm going to use SQL express, I have created the database from within the VB Express software which has added the database to my application with these 2 files: myTest.mdf & myTestDataSet.xsd.

How can I access this dataset directly? It should be something like this, but I know this isn't right and it doesn't work:

intRowCount = myTestDataSet.Tables(0).Rows.Count

Thanks.

Greg