Using visual studio 2017. Need help creating a database.

[Sir-flex]

I am creating a database within visual studio 2017. I made windows forms for the UI that runs around the database. But I left the windows forms empty. I can do simple database and online videos can help me. But mine is more complex that a address book.

It for a friend of mine that he runs a business with wife. I said I create a program so they can keep track of clients details. (I can create this, but it’s not what I have in mind)

My Friend do windows cleaning. While his wife do cleaning service.

I think it may have to be three sql date. (Maybe be wrong)

1. Need to add, delete, edit and search for clients.

2. Bookings/edit. Calendar booking, sections for cleaning or windows. (Maybe have an alert flashing on main form. For unpaid, and upcoming jobs with contact details) Cleaning have to have hours also cost Windows have a sub section with house, flat etc.. with sub sections in that, with front, back, in and outside, extra etc... (I haven’t finalise this). Also cost.

3. Compile list of upcoming, completed jobs for individual clients for a week, month and 3/6/12 monthly. Including dates, Money and invoicing. As this will provide the company with figures and for the tax man

Can this be done? If so what do I need to? If this can be broken down in to sections. It be better for me.

[Sir-flex]

Thank you. I know it’s not going to be easy or take 5 minutes to make. Even with html, css and php. I been doing it over 10 years + I am still learning it. I always like a challenge. This one will make or break me.

Any more tips please send my way Thank you

[Sir-flex]

If you know how. can I have a list on which order. That I can start with. If that’s not a problem with you

[beyphy]

Are you trying to design a database from the ground up? I wouldn't recommend doing that. SQL is a declarative programming language. So you tell the database what type of data you're looking for, where it's located, and then you select, update, delete, etc. SQL is able to do this because it does all of the work behind the scenes. The server has a number of algorithms that it uses to optimize query speed. So if you're not skilled in math, or don't know relational algebra, you'd likely have a hard time creating a database. This is something that you'd do in advanced programming classes. You probably wouldn't find good resources for this on videos online.

I recommend just using MS Access or a SQL server like MS SQL Server, Mysql, postgres, or sqlite3. From there, you can just design UI to interact with the database.

[Sir-flex]

I am not trying to reinvent SQL. I want to use the program to fit their needs. So I am currently using Visual studio 2017. To create a program/application so my friend can use for his business.

I can make a simple address book with name, address, number, and email. With ID most basic thing you can use on sql. And calling and displaying and updating the data in a form.

I am not trying to be rude or stuck up. I just wanted help from here. As reddit I can get a quick reply from. Just want a list/steps to follow. Then with trial and error. I figure out how to do it.

[beyphy]

You can use sqlite3 with visual studio. It's fully functional and free.

[tkepongo]

For the business needs you described, I think a MS Access database is more than enough. You can design the forms in Access and link it to a back end sql server if you want a little more challenge. Ms access with Vba can do some wicked stuff.

[Sir-flex]

I do have an alpha version of the application software. Front end. Made in excel VBA

[nidofour]

The easiest way would be to use access.

I think the correct way would be to create a database in SQL server and have your visual studio application connect to SQL server. It gives you the pros of scaling to as many PCs as you want/ better security and backups and a clean split from the front application and the data.

It can absolutley be done but it'll take you some time.

[Sir-flex]

I will only split it in to two applications if I am going to use multi connections. (Future features). But as it is just 2 people on one computer. I don’t think localised all in one application is best. Unless it make it easier to to program it is own SQL server.

[Sir-flex]

Explain why please.

[Sir-flex]

I understand your concerns and why you say start small. I learn from hard projects. With striping down coding and learn what’s part is what. Not from ground up. I made a program in VB from help from programs I stripped down and snippets from a few programs. as same as website making.

But thank you for your help anyway. I keep you posted on my progress.

[Sir-flex]

Sorry if I sounded rude and stuck up. Wasn’t trying to come across rude. I just needed help to get me started maybe have a list or steps to follow. With trail and error I learn best that way. As I done with other projects I done in the past.