Difference between Database

Hi,
Sorry for the bad English.
I need a tool to see the difference between 2 databases.
Octavian:
SQLExecMS has this feature, Try http://www.laplas-soft.com/
Regards,
MartinH.
"Octavian RUSE" <oruse@.saratoga.ro> escribi en el mensaje
news:uZGTQkOQFHA.164@.TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
> Hi,
> Sorry for the bad English.
> I need a tool to see the difference between 2 databases.
>
|||thanx
"Martin Hart - Memory Soft, S.L." <memorysoftsl _at_ infotelecom _dot_ es>
wrote in message news:Os2ConOQFHA.2876@.TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
> Octavian:
> SQLExecMS has this feature, Try http://www.laplas-soft.com/
> Regards,
> MartinH.
> "Octavian RUSE" <oruse@.saratoga.ro> escribi en el mensaje
> news:uZGTQkOQFHA.164@.TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
>
|||"Octavian RUSE" <oruse@.saratoga.ro> wrote in message
news:uZGTQkOQFHA.164@.TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
> Hi,
> Sorry for the bad English.
> I need a tool to see the difference between 2 databases.
>
|||Hi,
SQLCompare from Red-gate is an excellant tool to compare data and schema in
sql server databases.
http://www.red-gate.com/SQL_Compare.htm
You can download the 14 day trial and try it out.
Thanks
Hari
SQL Server MVP
"Octavian RUSE" <oruse@.saratoga.ro> wrote in message
news:uZGTQkOQFHA.164@.TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
> Hi,
> Sorry for the bad English.
> I need a tool to see the difference between 2 databases.
>
|||DB Ghost does comparison and much, much more...
regards,
Mark Baekdal
http://www.dbghost.com
http://www.innovartis.co.uk
+44 (0)208 241 1762
Build, Comparison and Synchronization from Source Control = Database change
management for SQL Server
"Octavian RUSE" wrote:

> Hi,
> Sorry for the bad English.
> I need a tool to see the difference between 2 databases.
>
>

DIFF Objects

Does anybody know of a tool or script that will tell the difference between
two tables including objects such as indexes?Give Red Gate SQLCompare
(http://www.red-gate.com/products/SQL_Compare/index.htm) a try
Denis the SQL Menace
http://sqlservercode.blogspot.com/
morphius wrote:
> Does anybody know of a tool or script that will tell the difference between
> two tables including objects such as indexes?

diagrams in sql server 2005

is there a tool to make diagrams in sql server 2005?
*** Sent via Developersdex http://www.codecomments.com ***
Don't just participate in USENET...get rewarded for it!
You should discuss SQL2005 in the appropriate newsgroups for the beta...
That feature is currently not in B2.
(P.S. features in B2 are not considered NDA at this time)
Brian
"alex" <anonymous@.devdex.com> wrote in message
news:%23MziLZQgEHA.236@.tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> is there a tool to make diagrams in sql server 2005?
>
> *** Sent via Developersdex http://www.codecomments.com ***
> Don't just participate in USENET...get rewarded for it!

diagrams in sql server 2005

is there a tool to make diagrams in sql server 2005?
*** Sent via Developersdex http://www.developersdex.com ***
Don't just participate in USENET...get rewarded for it!You should discuss SQL2005 in the appropriate newsgroups for the beta...
That feature is currently not in B2.
(P.S. features in B2 are not considered NDA at this time)
--
Brian
"alex" <anonymous@.devdex.com> wrote in message
news:%23MziLZQgEHA.236@.tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> is there a tool to make diagrams in sql server 2005?
>
> *** Sent via Developersdex http://www.developersdex.com ***
> Don't just participate in USENET...get rewarded for it!

Diagrams a tool anyone can recommend

Hi want to produce a DB diagram on MSQSL 2000.
all I want to do is create links which exist diagrammatically only.
Instead as I UNDERSTAND it the SQL wants to physically create these
constraints on the DB. I DO NOT WANT THIS.
Pls don't answer that I should be using constraints, FK etcs. Not my
call and too late.
Is it possible to simply produce a diagram where I draw links between
fields without effecting underlying DB.
Is there a tool that will do this? Or should I just throw it into word
and make the links myself or use Visio. Preferably would like to
create diagram in MMSQL but which didn't change underlying DB.
Itzik, shalom
I'm afraid you are not able to do that with SQL Server.
Perhaps , there are some third part software to be able to do it for you.
"Yitzak" <terryshamir@.yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:b73ddf3c.0503290417.8baa183@.posting.google.co m...
> Hi want to produce a DB diagram on MSQSL 2000.
> all I want to do is create links which exist diagrammatically only.
> Instead as I UNDERSTAND it the SQL wants to physically create these
> constraints on the DB. I DO NOT WANT THIS.
> Pls don't answer that I should be using constraints, FK etcs. Not my
> call and too late.
> Is it possible to simply produce a diagram where I draw links between
> fields without effecting underlying DB.
> Is there a tool that will do this? Or should I just throw it into word
> and make the links myself or use Visio. Preferably would like to
> create diagram in MMSQL but which didn't change underlying DB.
|||I generally use Visio for this... But you could use any 3rd party modelling
tool like Erwin, you'd have to set up the PK, FK etc in the logical
model... Just don't push it out to the physical database
Wayne Snyder, MCDBA, SQL Server MVP
Mariner, Charlotte, NC
www.mariner-usa.com
(Please respond only to the newsgroups.)
I support the Professional Association of SQL Server (PASS) and it's
community of SQL Server professionals.
www.sqlpass.org
"Yitzak" <terryshamir@.yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:b73ddf3c.0503290417.8baa183@.posting.google.co m...
> Hi want to produce a DB diagram on MSQSL 2000.
> all I want to do is create links which exist diagrammatically only.
> Instead as I UNDERSTAND it the SQL wants to physically create these
> constraints on the DB. I DO NOT WANT THIS.
> Pls don't answer that I should be using constraints, FK etcs. Not my
> call and too late.
> Is it possible to simply produce a diagram where I draw links between
> fields without effecting underlying DB.
> Is there a tool that will do this? Or should I just throw it into word
> and make the links myself or use Visio. Preferably would like to
> create diagram in MMSQL but which didn't change underlying DB.

Diagrams a tool anyone can recommend

Hi want to produce a DB diagram on MSQSL 2000.
all I want to do is create links which exist diagrammatically only.
Instead as I UNDERSTAND it the SQL wants to physically create these
constraints on the DB. I DO NOT WANT THIS.
Pls don't answer that I should be using constraints, FK etcs. Not my
call and too late.
Is it possible to simply produce a diagram where I draw links between
fields without effecting underlying DB.
Is there a tool that will do this? Or should I just throw it into word
and make the links myself or use Visio. Preferably would like to
create diagram in MMSQL but which didn't change underlying DB.Itzik, shalom
I'm afraid you are not able to do that with SQL Server.
Perhaps , there are some third part software to be able to do it for you.
"Yitzak" <terryshamir@.yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:b73ddf3c.0503290417.8baa183@.posting.google.com...
> Hi want to produce a DB diagram on MSQSL 2000.
> all I want to do is create links which exist diagrammatically only.
> Instead as I UNDERSTAND it the SQL wants to physically create these
> constraints on the DB. I DO NOT WANT THIS.
> Pls don't answer that I should be using constraints, FK etcs. Not my
> call and too late.
> Is it possible to simply produce a diagram where I draw links between
> fields without effecting underlying DB.
> Is there a tool that will do this? Or should I just throw it into word
> and make the links myself or use Visio. Preferably would like to
> create diagram in MMSQL but which didn't change underlying DB.|||I generally use visio for this... But you could use any 3rd party modelling
tool like Erwin, you'd have to set up the PK, FK etc in the logical
model... Just don't push it out to the physical database
Wayne Snyder, MCDBA, SQL Server MVP
Mariner, Charlotte, NC
www.mariner-usa.com
(Please respond only to the newsgroups.)
I support the Professional Association of SQL Server (PASS) and it's
community of SQL Server professionals.
www.sqlpass.org
"Yitzak" <terryshamir@.yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:b73ddf3c.0503290417.8baa183@.posting.google.com...
> Hi want to produce a DB diagram on MSQSL 2000.
> all I want to do is create links which exist diagrammatically only.
> Instead as I UNDERSTAND it the SQL wants to physically create these
> constraints on the DB. I DO NOT WANT THIS.
> Pls don't answer that I should be using constraints, FK etcs. Not my
> call and too late.
> Is it possible to simply produce a diagram where I draw links between
> fields without effecting underlying DB.
> Is there a tool that will do this? Or should I just throw it into word
> and make the links myself or use Visio. Preferably would like to
> create diagram in MMSQL but which didn't change underlying DB.

Diagrams a tool anyone can recommend

Hi want to produce a DB diagram on MSQSL 2000.
all I want to do is create links which exist diagrammatically only.
Instead as I UNDERSTAND it the SQL wants to physically create these
constraints on the DB. I DO NOT WANT THIS.
Pls don't answer that I should be using constraints, FK etcs. Not my
call and too late.
Is it possible to simply produce a diagram where I draw links between
fields without effecting underlying DB.
Is there a tool that will do this? Or should I just throw it into word
and make the links myself or use Visio. Preferably would like to
create diagram in MMSQL but which didn't change underlying DB.Itzik, shalom
I'm afraid you are not able to do that with SQL Server.
Perhaps , there are some third part software to be able to do it for you.
"Yitzak" <terryshamir@.yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:b73ddf3c.0503290417.8baa183@.posting.google.com...
> Hi want to produce a DB diagram on MSQSL 2000.
> all I want to do is create links which exist diagrammatically only.
> Instead as I UNDERSTAND it the SQL wants to physically create these
> constraints on the DB. I DO NOT WANT THIS.
> Pls don't answer that I should be using constraints, FK etcs. Not my
> call and too late.
> Is it possible to simply produce a diagram where I draw links between
> fields without effecting underlying DB.
> Is there a tool that will do this? Or should I just throw it into word
> and make the links myself or use Visio. Preferably would like to
> create diagram in MMSQL but which didn't change underlying DB.|||I generally use Visio for this... But you could use any 3rd party modelling
tool like Erwin, you'd have to set up the PK, FK etc in the logical
model... Just don't push it out to the physical database
Wayne Snyder, MCDBA, SQL Server MVP
Mariner, Charlotte, NC
www.mariner-usa.com
(Please respond only to the newsgroups.)
I support the Professional Association of SQL Server (PASS) and it's
community of SQL Server professionals.
www.sqlpass.org
"Yitzak" <terryshamir@.yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:b73ddf3c.0503290417.8baa183@.posting.google.com...
> Hi want to produce a DB diagram on MSQSL 2000.
> all I want to do is create links which exist diagrammatically only.
> Instead as I UNDERSTAND it the SQL wants to physically create these
> constraints on the DB. I DO NOT WANT THIS.
> Pls don't answer that I should be using constraints, FK etcs. Not my
> call and too late.
> Is it possible to simply produce a diagram where I draw links between
> fields without effecting underlying DB.
> Is there a tool that will do this? Or should I just throw it into word
> and make the links myself or use Visio. Preferably would like to
> create diagram in MMSQL but which didn't change underlying DB.|||I have used Erwin for several years. I have created
diagrams of what the database I am working on should look
like when I am done with it. Just reverse engineer it and
make all the connections.
Gary.
>--Original Message--
>Hi want to produce a DB diagram on MSQSL 2000.
>all I want to do is create links which exist
diagrammatically only.
>Instead as I UNDERSTAND it the SQL wants to physically
create these
>constraints on the DB. I DO NOT WANT THIS.
>Pls don't answer that I should be using constraints, FK
etcs. Not my
>call and too late.
>Is it possible to simply produce a diagram where I draw
links between
>fields without effecting underlying DB.
>Is there a tool that will do this? Or should I just throw
it into word
>and make the links myself or use Visio. Preferably would
like to
>create diagram in MMSQL but which didn't change underlying DB.
>.
>

Diagramming Error?

I am using the April CTP.

I created a diagram. Via the diagramming tool, I added a new table. Added some columns. Decided I didn't like it. Deleted the table from the database.

Later I decided I did want the table. So I tried to create it again, but the diagram tool said that the table is make for deletion and couldn't be added. I looked at the table list and it was not there.

What can I do so that I can create another table with the same name?Hi Jim,
I could reproduce your results if I deleted the table before saving the diagram. Essentially the table never gets added to the database, but the diagram tool has the name recorded somewhere and that cache isn't getting cleared. I've filed a bug on your behalf for this incorrect behavior.

As a work around, you should be able to reuse the table name if you close SQL Server Management Studio, reopen SSMS and then modify the diagram.|||Thank you!

Diagram, script and security ...

Three things:

1 - I attached a database from another computer in the Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express tool. It looks like my database diagrams did not follow.At first, it told me that the owner of the database was not set correctly and, hence, diagrams could not be supported. I ran the following query to fix that -> Alter authorization on database::DB_NAME to [MACHINE_NAME\USER]. Now, I can create new diagrams but I would like to see the ones I had before. How can I transfer my database files (.mdf and .ldf) with the diagrams?

2 – I would like to generate a database script that would not only create the table structure but also generate the insert statements to populate the database. When I use the “generate scripts” wizard, I don’t see an option where I could get the insert statements included in the script.Any help would be appreciated.

3 - I would like to read/find a short tutorial on how to set up security for my database. For now, I use the default user/security everywhere and I am sure it is not a good way of doing things. Basically, I would like to make sure I am not leaving a big security hole without having to read an entire book on SQL Server.Where could I get started?

Thanks a lot,

Dom.

1/ the diagrams should have come across with the database as they are stored in special tables, was this a SQL 2000 db that was upgraded by any chance?

2/ There is no way to generate insert statements in the UI today, there are some samples out in the community that can do it through.

3/ Have you read books on line?

|||

1 - No this is not a database upgrade, a SQL Server 2005 Express Edition to SQL Server 2005 Express Edition

2 - This is sad, there should be something to generate insert statements.

3 - Do you have any good ones to suggest?

thanks.

|||

Check out Securing your SQL Server Express Edition Server, it's from beta, but all the prinicples apply. You can also read the various pages of the BOL linked to from the Security Consideration for SQL Server topic.

Regards,

Mike Wachal
SQL Express team

-
Mark the best posts as Answers!

Diagram Tool Causes Strange Write Table Behavior

Using SQL Server 2000...
I'm creating a series of database diagrams for a database that has
~ 200 tables. The tables are segmented by module, so instead of
having one massive diagram I am creating a diagram per module.
All I'm doing is creating a new diagram, selecting all the tables
that belong to a module, and letting the software create the
diagram. I do make some format/layout changes to make the
diagram easier to read, but at no time am I making any structural
changes to the table.
For three of the four modules this approach has worked perfectly.
However, there is one set of tables that the tool thinks has been
altered, and it insists on writing the tables back to the database
before it will save it. The first time this happened I just said "No"
to any writing/saving and started over from scratch (I assumed I
had accidentally made a change to a table). The next time I added
all the module's tables, I simply moved one table two or three
inches to the left, and then tried to save the daigram (having 100%
confidence there were no accidental structural changes). Once
again, it wanted to write a few of the tables back to the database
before saving.
I have no idea why it thinks any structural changes occured to the
referenced tables. I certainly didn't make any, and on the rare
occasion I have accidentally made a change, I was able to
successfully start over by not writing/saving the change and
closing/opening the diagram.
Can anyone let me know what possible changes could have been
applied to a table(s) outside the diagram tool, that could affect the
diagram tool and make it think it needs to write the tables to the
database before saving?
ThanksHi Garth,
I don't know the answer to your question because I don't like, or use the
SQL Server diagramming tool - for the exact reason you're experiencing ...
changes to the diagram make changes to the database.
While I used to use ER/win (which is a fantastic tool), I've shifted to
Visio. Now, without the developer edition (I think that's the one) you can't
do a forward engineer, but you can reverse engineer any DB you can connect
to (ODBC, OLE DB, etc), it provides at least 80% of what matters in ER/win
(or Rational Rose) and you have the advantage that anyone with Visio can
read the file.
I admit it's going to be hard to learn it (as there is virtually no one on
the boards who know how), but I find it far, far superior to what is
available in SQL Server and more convenient than anything else.
Thanks,
Jay
"Garth Wells" <nobody@.nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:eQq7Mx1FIHA.4712@.TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> Using SQL Server 2000...
> I'm creating a series of database diagrams for a database that has
> ~ 200 tables. The tables are segmented by module, so instead of
> having one massive diagram I am creating a diagram per module.
> All I'm doing is creating a new diagram, selecting all the tables
> that belong to a module, and letting the software create the
> diagram. I do make some format/layout changes to make the
> diagram easier to read, but at no time am I making any structural
> changes to the table.
> For three of the four modules this approach has worked perfectly.
> However, there is one set of tables that the tool thinks has been
> altered, and it insists on writing the tables back to the database
> before it will save it. The first time this happened I just said "No"
> to any writing/saving and started over from scratch (I assumed I
> had accidentally made a change to a table). The next time I added
> all the module's tables, I simply moved one table two or three
> inches to the left, and then tried to save the daigram (having 100%
> confidence there were no accidental structural changes). Once
> again, it wanted to write a few of the tables back to the database
> before saving.
> I have no idea why it thinks any structural changes occured to the
> referenced tables. I certainly didn't make any, and on the rare
> occasion I have accidentally made a change, I was able to
> successfully start over by not writing/saving the change and
> closing/opening the diagram.
> Can anyone let me know what possible changes could have been
> applied to a table(s) outside the diagram tool, that could affect the
> diagram tool and make it think it needs to write the tables to the
> database before saving?
> Thanks
>
>

Diagram one to one in 2005

How do you create a one to one relationship from the diagram in Sql Server
2005?
All the relationships I create between tables from the diagram tool, shows
the tables as one to many.
Thanks,
TomIf by one to one, you mean every row in Table A must have exactly one
corresponding row in Table B and every row in Table B must have exactly one
corresponding row in Table A, the way to do that is to make one table out of
those two tables. If there is some reason they cannot be one table, you
will have to enforce this by triggers and/or by maintaining these tables
with stored procedures.
If by one to one, you mean one to zero or one, that is, every row in Table A
has zero or one corresponding rows in Table B, but can't have more than one,
then create a normal foreign key relationship from Table B to Table A, and
then make the foreign key columns in Table B unique.
If you mean something else, please give us a description of what you want.
Tom
"tshad" <tshad@.dslextreme.com> wrote in message
news:OTuWc1HXIHA.5340@.TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> How do you create a one to one relationship from the diagram in Sql Server
> 2005?
> All the relationships I create between tables from the diagram tool, shows
> the tables as one to many.
> Thanks,
> Tom
>|||"Tom Cooper" <tomcooper@.comcast.no.spam.please.net> wrote in message
news:en3XUPIXIHA.4476@.TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> If by one to one, you mean every row in Table A must have exactly one
> corresponding row in Table B and every row in Table B must have exactly
> one corresponding row in Table A, the way to do that is to make one table
> out of those two tables. If there is some reason they cannot be one
> table, you will have to enforce this by triggers and/or by maintaining
> these tables with stored procedures.
Actually, that was how I had it - 1 table. But the customer wants to split
out the data that is specific to the entity. Another reason is that there
are many large fields that are mainly comments and that could potentially
make a row 10K.
> If by one to one, you mean one to zero or one, that is, every row in Table
> A has zero or one corresponding rows in Table B, but can't have more than
> one, then create a normal foreign key relationship from Table B to Table
> A, and then make the foreign key columns in Table B unique.
No I mean one to one. But I would have the same problem if I was using zero
to one.
How do I do that from the wizards?
The value in the foreign table is not a key just a value. It has another
primary key for the table.
In EM it shows the relationship between the tables using this field. Do I
explicitly need to make this a key in EM?
Thanks,
Tom
> If you mean something else, please give us a description of what you want.
> Tom
> "tshad" <tshad@.dslextreme.com> wrote in message
> news:OTuWc1HXIHA.5340@.TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> How do you create a one to one relationship from the diagram in Sql
>> Server 2005?
>> All the relationships I create between tables from the diagram tool,
>> shows the tables as one to many.
>> Thanks,
>> Tom
>

Development tool for first time developer?

I am about to start developing a web app using MS SQL Server and was wondering whether there is any tool that I can use to test queries towards a remote server?

Something like a command line or an easy way I can write queries and run them straight away through the server and check results? It is my first time developing in SQL so I need something that allows me to play around with queries in the server and check results to quickly get a hang os MS SQL Server syntax, stored procedures and such.

Best Regards

Alethenorio

From the nature of your question, I assume that you are using SQL Server Express.

Yes, you can download the SQL Server Management Studio Express client tools for working with SQL Server Express.

SSMSE and other resources are available from these links:

SQL Server 2005 Express Edition (Advanced/SSMS/BI Toolkit)
http://tinyurl.com/yelwr9 (SSMSE)

SQL Server 2005 SSMS Express Tutorial
http://tinyurl.com/nqsca

SQL Server 2005 Express Books Online Express Edition
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=BE6A2C5D-00DF-4220-B133-29C1E0B6585F

SQL Server 2005 Express Video Learning
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/sql/learning/default.aspx#1

|||

Thanks Arnie.

To be honest I am doing a project for a company and I have not yet got access to the web hotel but if express is the lower version of microsoft's SQl server I believe it is not the version they run here. They probably run the full capable version (Whatever that is).

Would you suggest the same tool for such or is there another tool better fit to handle higher versions of SQl server?

Regards

Alex

|||

You may wish to consider getting SQL Server Express for your own computer, and the client tools, for your learning process.

The version of SQL Server Management Studio (SSMSE) that works with SQL Express is very similar to the version provided with the 'paid' Editions.

Good luck as you get up to speed. I think you will enjoy learning about SQL Server.

Development tool choice for SQL Server

Is VB.net the most logical choice of a RAD tool to use with MS SQL Server? Is VB.net strictly for web apps or can you use it to create projects that run as executables off the server?
JustStartinOutwe use java and websphere|||VB.NET can be used for web applications or for building executables or DLLs (actually you are creating DLLs when building .NET web apps anyway). The .NET development tools, which include VB.NET, C#, and others, are not RAD tools but will allow you to develop using RAD methodology. Depending on your programming background, you may find C# easier to use than VB.NET. It is syntaxically similar to C, c++ and Java.

HTH
Tim|||I find C# infinitely easier to read and code than VB.

also there are certain useful keywords in C# that have no equivalent (i think) in VB (like using and yield).|||I think Access is about the quickest for simple apps. It has very good support for SQL Server. We have a comprehensive app in Access that uses VB 6 in the code-behind.

The developer wrote an entire purchasing and inventory system in 4 months, from inception to implementation. It has about 20 menu items and uses Stored Procedures for all SQL Server access. It's fairly stable and very fast, however requires installation at each workstation. He could have done it in half that time except for a very complex (Dynamic SQL) interface into our existing Sales Order system.

VB.Net, as with all the .NET languages, compiles into a Common Language. As mentioned, the C# language has more complete support of the .NET platform and enjoys wider support and programmer base, but the end result of VB.NET and C#.NET are identical.

In my opinion, the only reason for VB.NET is to provide an easy learning curve for all the VB 6 developers. It's C# with a VB6 like syntax, what's the point, just use C#. (note: C#, although modeled after C++, is far less complex to use, and in truth was modeled after Java)

With .NET, you can create console applications, web applications, desktop applications (the traditional forms based program that gets installed on each desktop), and others. Usage of any require the .NET Platform to be installed. However; using a web page that's implemented by ASP.NET does not require anything special, just a browser. The programmer may have to work out differences with particular browsers (example: Netscape is notorious from straying from the standards, nearly as bad as IE) but they DO NOT require the .NET platform to function.

ASP.NET is the programmer's platform for Microsoft's next generation of IIS (web server) and is implemented using .NET. It's a pretty amazing platform. I'm only starting to use it but after 4 years of using ASP, there's simply no comparison. In ASP.NET, you write your forms, database access, etc similarly to a desktop appliation then ASP.NET actually converts stuff to HTML and manages the web sessions. According to the forword in my ASP.NET book (by APress) MySpace.com (who gets over a billion hits a day) recently converted from ColdFusion to ASP.NET and that's saying a lot.

(Regarding Access) As with most simple platforms, there's a point of diminishing returns where it's actually more difficult due to the complexity of what you're trying to achieve. So if you don't have a well seasoned Access developer, and your task is very complex, I'd not suggest Access. For a fairly simple series of screens (like master file maintenance, creating test data, etc), it's nice.

For reporting, I use Crystal Reports (and it serves up nicely on our web server, with license-free report distribution) and (combined with SQL Server's backend RAD SQL development tools) it is the most productive environment I've ever experienced. I can satisfy nearly any permanent reporting request in under 1 day, and often in 1 or 2 hours. Maintenance is also a dream. Factory workorders, invoices, sales analysis, Purchasing history, etc etc.|||Actually this system is currently written in Access and I was looking to do a rewrite using something more sophisticated and robust and that is why I was looking at choosing some newer technology. Our Access applications around here all have the same unprofessional look.|||Well access like VB is a FAT client.

We chose java because it's thin and uses servlets

No, I don't know Java...front-end development....ewwwwwww|||Actually this system is currently written in Access and I was looking to do a rewrite using something more sophisticated and robust and that is why I was looking at choosing some newer technology. Our Access applications around here all have the same unprofessional look.
They're all pretty equally capable of offering an unprofessional look and feel.

Don't confuse the front-end look-n-feel with back-end capability. They all use the same SQL Server.

Java and .NET are pretty similar, however .NET is more suited to the Windows platform. .NET allows for a "thin client" (ASP.NET combined with language of choice, VB.NET, C#.NET, etc) and "fat client" (Windows Forms app combined with .NET language of choice).

Going to either is a total rewrite, and even re-design. The database table layout and screens can likely stay (mostly) the same, but it's a non-trivial task. If you just want prettier screens, you could get a better Access programmer to just move things around and add some navagation capability.

Suggest re-posting your question in the language support forums. I don't think the database guys care too much about how the front-end is implemented.|||No, I don't know Java...front-end development....ewwwwwww

java isn't strictly a front-end language - plenty of server apps have been implemented in java. you can build a RDBMS with it even :)

http://sourceforge.net/projects/daffodildb|||Thanks Vich, but I don't want to give my job away to a 'better access programmer'. (ha, ha) I would like to learn something new to get my skills back sharp and to help me stay marketable should I ever want to leave here. At this job I have plenty of flexibility (and spare time) and I essentially work by myself (as far as development goes). Now is a good time for self-development.|||Thanks Vich, but I don't want to give my job away to a 'better access programmer'. (ha, ha) I would like to learn something new to get my skills back sharp and to help me stay marketable should I ever want to leave here. At this job I have plenty of flexibility (and spare time) and I essentially work by myself (as far as development goes). Now is a good time for self-development.

Fine, then ascend to mount olympus and become a dba|||since you are working on Access, VB.Net seems a logical tool of choice.
I come from VB background but i've managed(at last!) to work equally comfortable on Vb.Net & C#.

As far as the app is a desktop one it should fairly easy to wsitch between the 2. But i think to create a Web App you will need to put few extra hours in learning and implemntation.|||I use Access as a front end MDB with an SQL 2005 back end. I have also played with the ADP form of Access front end. I am moving to VB.Net due to getting a timeout error on a key part of the application which is just impossible to solve. But I am finding the move very difficult as it is a rather steep learning curve.

If you are going to use the Express Edition note that it is only configured to use the wizards with the express version of SQL 2005.

Developer Database Snapshots

I'm developing tool for developers to create snapshots (i.e. backups) from
different states of SQL Server databases. Later when required for unit and/or
stress testing or code profiling developer could quickly restore database
snapshots.
This tool is to be very simple and at first only to support SQL Server 2005
and later to older versions. Also propably first version would be rather
limited (as my time) including only one database and hopefully later
expanding to support more databases and more fine-tuning of backup/restore
options - since there are some. Also the snapshot tool would work easy "oops"
-tool if user's routine accidentally deletes all rows in a database it could
be easily backed up before catastrophy happens.
I'm thinking of doing this as a Visual Studio.NET 2005 Add-In but including
external API for unit testers and others to easily connect to this tool from
external programs.
Tell me what do you think - is this kind of tool worth doing ?
"Tommi" <Tommi@.discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:2ECEE6F8-AD03-4245-A0A5-E35F425E6810@.microsoft.com...
> I'm developing tool for developers to create snapshots (i.e. backups) from
> different states of SQL Server databases. Later when required for unit
> and/or
> stress testing or code profiling developer could quickly restore database
> snapshots.
> Tell me what do you think - is this kind of tool worth doing ?
Not if you use the word "snapshot". There are already at least three
things in SQL Server 2005 that use that name: Database snapshots (i.e. not
backups, but snapshots -- very different), snapshot isolation level, and
snapshot replication.
Plus, there are other types of snapshots available, such as SAN
snapshots. Adding yet another snapshot to an already overused pool is going
to be extremely confusing for your potential users.
Adam Machanic
Pro SQL Server 2005, available now
http://www.apress.com/book/bookDisplay.html?bID=457
|||You are right - actually the work I'm using is DevShot, which refers to kind
of developer snapshot as a backup which contains the database state at
certain point of time. I already created a prebeta of the software in
CodeProject (http://www.codeproject.com/useritems/DevShot.asp). Check it out.
This would be probably easier to achieve if normal SQL Server 2005 would
contain the database snapshots that they employ only in enterprise versions,
but even normal fullbackup to a file does the trick quite nicely.
"Adam Machanic" wrote:

> "Tommi" <Tommi@.discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:2ECEE6F8-AD03-4245-A0A5-E35F425E6810@.microsoft.com...
> Not if you use the word "snapshot". There are already at least three
> things in SQL Server 2005 that use that name: Database snapshots (i.e. not
> backups, but snapshots -- very different), snapshot isolation level, and
> snapshot replication.
> Plus, there are other types of snapshots available, such as SAN
> snapshots. Adding yet another snapshot to an already overused pool is going
> to be extremely confusing for your potential users.
>
> --
> Adam Machanic
> Pro SQL Server 2005, available now
> http://www.apress.com/book/bookDisplay.html?bID=457
> --
>
>

determining query cost programatically

I know SQL server query analyzer provides a tool for determining the cost of a query. But my question is does anyone know how to do this programatically from java or c#? Is there a simple statment I can run against the connection or is there information in the meta data? Thanks for the help.I forgot to mention that I'm using SQL Server 2000.|||I take it nobody knows how to do this?|||Yes there are ways. I would invest in Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Performance Optimizations and Tuning Handbook ISBN 1 55558 241 9
It shows you a lot of SQL code which will return this information for you. Also it is a very good book on performance tuning.