How do I manage my MS SQL Database in Visual Studio? Print

In this knowledge base article, we will guide you on how to manage a remote SQL database using the latest version of Visual Studio as of 2023. Visual Studio provides a robust set of features that facilitate managing SQL databases, including creating tables and manipulating data.

Prerequisites

• Have the latest version of Visual Studio installed.
• SQL Server Data Tools installed (usually comes with Visual Studio).
• Have access details to a remote SQL Server database.
• Ensure that remote connections to the SQL Server are enabled and firewall rules allow traffic on the port SQL Server listens to.

Steps

1. Connect to your Remote SQL Database

1. Launch Visual Studio.
2. Navigate to View > SQL Server Object Explorer. If you don't see SQL Server Object Explorer, it can be found through View > Other Windows > SQL Server Object Explorer.
3. Right-click on SQL Server and select Add SQL Server.
4. In the Connect to Server dialog box, enter your remote server details including the server hostname (provided in your Hosting Account Welcome Email), authentication method (SQL Server Authentication), and login credentials. Click Connect.

2. Explore your Database

Once connected, you can expand the server node, and then the Databases node, to see your databases. Click on a specific database to view its tables, views, stored procedures, and other related objects.

3. Create a New Table

1. Right-click on Tables under your database and select Add New Table.
2. In the table designer, you can define the columns for your new table, set the data types, and assign the primary key.
3. Once done, click Update to create the table. Review the script in the preview dialog and then click Update Database.

4. Modify an Existing Table

1. Under the Tables node, right-click on the table you want to edit, and select View Designer.
2. In the designer view, you can add, delete, or modify columns, change data types, and more.
3. Click Update to save your changes. Review the script in the preview dialog and then click Update Database.

5. Execute SQL Queries

1. Right-click on your database and select New Query.
2. Write your SQL query in the query editor.
3. Click Execute or press F5 to run the query. The results will be displayed in the results grid at the bottom of the editor.

6. Create or Edit Stored Procedures

1. To create a new stored procedure, right-click on Stored Procedures under your database and select Add New Stored Procedure. If you want to modify an existing one, right-click on it and select Modify.
2. Write or modify the SQL code in the editor.
3. Click Update to save your changes. Review the script in the preview dialog and then click Update Database.

Conclusion

Managing a remote SQL database using Visual Studio is a seamless process once you've established a successful connection. The robust set of features provided by Visual Studio allows you to interact with your data, schema, and other database objects in a streamlined manner, making it an excellent tool for remote database management.