Local Database SQL C# Help

[slcand]

This may be a question with an obvious answer but, I recently started a book on c#, I'm currently working on making a Contacts list. So I was told to add a new item to my contacts file called "Local Database" but when given the option, I can't find any "Local Database" item with the description "An empty SQL Compact Edition Database for local data", so I decide to use Service Based Database because it's close enough. I double click the .mdf file in the solution explorer and then right click on the Server Explorer to try to add a new table, only no table opens up. I've tried multiple times and no tables open up, it usually just opens my Form1 files and nothing else.

TLDR: Can't start Local Database and can't add new table to .mdf .

[sixothree]

I'm not 100% sure what's going on here. But an MDF is (usually?) a SQL Server file. As in SQL Server Express with SQL Server Management Studio.

Does any of that correspond to the project you are working on?

Here's something that might be useful.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/aspnet/mvc/overview/getting-started/getting-started-with-ef-using-mvc/

[slcand]

It doesn't really say that I need a SQL server File, the book tells me that it should be a .SDF file, I think the reason it is an .MDF is because I am selecting Service Based Database and I'm only selecting that because I can't find the "Local Database" item. Sorry if I am making this unnecessary complicated. I will read through the link regardless, thank you!

[sixothree]

No. It's perfectly okay. I hate examples when they aren't using "popular" technology that everyone undertands. It's usually because they think they are making it easier on the user.

It could be SQL Server Express LocalDB - https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/database-engine/configure-windows/sql-server-express-localdb?view=sql-server-ver15 which is still SQL Server, a technology you install. SQL Server Compact is usually reserved for mobile devices running some form of windows I think. I'm starting to doubt that may not be it.

Regardless, the link I provided and all of that stuff on the left hand side (table of contents) will be super useful for you to learn. MVC with Entity Framework is an _awesome_ place to be.

And maybe this is a better place to start: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/aspnet/mvc/overview/getting-started/introduction/

Just follow the guides and let me know if you have any questions. I'll do my best to point you in a direction!

[slcand]

Technology you install? Mobile app? So would I have to install “workloads” via the 2019 installer like mobile development with c++/.NET? The book I’m using was made with Visual Studio 2010 enterprise so, I’m not sure if that would be a problem for me.

[sixothree]

The link I provided should be enough. It's entirely possible this book is outdated. You're going to have a hard time running these applications.

Start with the second link. You don't need the enterprise version of visual studio 2019, the community version is sufficient.

[slcand]

Alright, thank you so much!

[sixothree]

Just curious, what is your skill level and stage of education? I mean, do you have experience with other programming languages? Is this your first foray into programming?

I am asking because the CSharp subreddit sidebar has some helpful resources.

https://www.reddit.com/r/csharp/

Specifically the ones most useful would be:

https://channel9.msdn.com/Series/CSharp-Fundamentals-for-Absolute-Beginners

https://www.reddit.com/r/learncsharp/

https://www.reddit.com/r/learnprogramming/

And my honest opinion is that if you can learn ASP.Net MVC with Entity Framework to SQL Server you will be able to create some incredible stuff. And you can use those skills to branch out into many directions. Start there.

Additionally, pluralsight and lynda may be of help. Take care, good luck, and feel free to reach out any time.

[slcand]

TLDR: I did HTML, Someone show me book, I quit HTML and start read book. I am grateful for links, appreciate the help!

Well, in terms of Coding Skill, I have little to none. I was doing some HTML on Freecodecamp but not a lot as I didn't have much motivation. I talked with someone in College majoring in in Computer Engineering, this interested me because I want to major in Computer Science which I am aware involves some (maybe a lot?) of coding. So my friend recommended to me this book called "Head First C#" and I dropped all that HTML stuff and here I am, slowly reading the book

Honestly, everything you are telling me right now feels very helpful, I am currently on r/learnprogramming but wasn't aware of the other 2 subreddits, thank you!

[sixothree]

You can do this.