C# Windows form Application with SQL Server

Question

I have created a Windows Forms desktop application using Visual Studio 2019. I also created a database using SQL Server Management Studio. I connected the database with my application with connection string

"Data Source=CYBERCELL\\SQLEXPRESS;Initial Catalog=Details;Integrated Security=True;"

The application is running without any error. I published this application using Visual studio 2019 publish wizard and installed in another computer. But I can't understand how to use and connect the database with the application in that system. I Am looking to install SQL Server in every computer. But if I install SQL server, the server name will be different.

Sachin Singh · Answer

You just need to place the database MDF file inside the App_Data folder of your App and use the connection string pointing to that folder. When you will run the app on another computer the database will be created automatically. your connection string should look like "DefaultConnection" connectionString= "Data Source=.\SQLEXPRESS;AttachDbFilename=|DataDirectory|\myDb.mdf;Integrated Security=True;User Instance=True" providerName= "System.Data.SqlClient" />

Rijwan Ansari · Answer

You can keep connection string into config or app.config file use it. You can update the connection string from app.config in client side based on their server. Alternatively, we can use a configuration/ applcation setting window where you can keep a textbox to save connection string into application setting https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/desktop/winforms/advanced/how-to-create-application-settings?view=netframeworkdesktop-4.8

Ganesan C · Answer

Hi, I think you have created app and db on same machine. So app can understand the db using connection string(both are in same machine). After moving to another machine app doesn't know the db. You have to use machine ip in datasource in connection string.