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Sure this is a really dumb question, but how do I connect my C# console app to a SQL Server Instance?

Have done this plenty of times with c# Web Apps, but this is the first console app I've done.

The only data source I can see (in VS 2010) is SQL Server Database File - I can't see how to connect to a SQL instance on a different server.

KreepN
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Ben
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3 Answers3

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Step 1: Add a connection to your Server Explorer

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After that is added, you should see it appear under the server exlporer tab on the left side of your screen.

Step 2: Add a Linq to SQL file (.dbml) to your project

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Step 3: Open the .dbml file from the file explorer on the right hand side of Visual Studio

Step 4: Open up your connection via the drop down arrows on you server browser so that you can see the tables you which to use in your console app

Step 5: Drag them onto the design area (as seen by the yellow lines and the result of doing this in the green box)

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Step 6: Go back to your .cs page for your console, instantiate, and get to work

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EDIT:

My guess would be that you may be missing SQL server from your computer. Check your start menu, do you have Microsoft SQL Server folder with a configuration tool in it as seen here?:

enter image description here

KreepN
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  • Cheers. It's step 1 that's causing a problem though. The only option I have under Data Source is: "Microsoft SQL Server Database File (SqlClient)" and the Change button is grayed out. Have I missed a step to enable "MS SQL Server (SqlClient)"? – Ben Oct 26 '11 at 20:54
  • Yep - got SQL Server 2008 tools installed. Weird thing is I also have Visual Studio Web Developer Express, and it works fine from here. – Ben Oct 26 '11 at 21:23
  • That is very odd. That would indicate that Visual Studio is the culprit. I searched around and didn't see anyone else with the exact same problem, so a quick reinstall, or (repair if it has that option) may help, but I'm never one to recommend that as the first step as its long and tedious. – KreepN Oct 26 '11 at 21:26
  • Yeah - I'm starting to think that's the best bet. :-( – Ben Oct 26 '11 at 21:27
  • Just checked and repair is in option under control panel, good luck :)! – KreepN Oct 26 '11 at 21:29
  • Step 6 DataClass1DataContext "The type or namespace name could not be found" After adding the dbml I compiled successfully and tried again but problem persists. – HMR Jul 31 '15 at 04:51
  • @KreepN: I done this steps but `mydataclassDataContex` object don't known in my console application project.why? – maryam Dec 24 '15 at 13:46
  • @sarina Might need to be more specific. Is the .Dbml file in the same project? If it is in a folder or some sub-directory, make sure you have a reference to that namespace in your code where you are trying to use the context. – KreepN Dec 27 '15 at 08:19
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When you've created your console application, in the Solution Explorer, choose Add New Item and you should get a dialog box something like this:

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What you're looking for is the Linq-to-SQL Classes which creates a *.dbml model file.

For a very complete and thorough introduction to Linq-to-SQL, read Scott Guthrie's Using Linq to SQL blog series (many posts). Those things all apply to any kind of app using Linq-to-SQL to talk to SQL Server.

marc_s
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1

It sounds like you want to create a new LINQ To SQL dbml to your console app, and use Visual Studio's Server Explorer as part of the process.

Add a .dbml to your project as per normal.

Your Server Explorer window in Visual Studio should allow you to create a new Connection. Ensure you're using SqlClient. Here you can enter the instance name of your SQL Server.

enter image description here

p.campbell
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  • The only option I have under Data Source is: "Microsoft SQL Server Database File (SqlClient)" and the Change button is grayed out. Have I missed a step to enable "MS SQL Server (SqlClient)"? – Ben Oct 26 '11 at 20:46