Hello,

I haven't reached the database chapter yet but I remember reading VS 2010 (Express) doesn't have the files needed?

I have a spare machine, would it be easier for me to uninstall 2010 and install 2008?

If so which version, express or full (90 day trial)

Many thanks,

Mike

Hi Mike:

The latest version of C# Express for Visual Studio (2010) does not have the Jet Engine for database work. VS 2008 does. However, I am never in favor of "going backwards" with respect to software updates. You may as well bite the bullet now and use the latest version of VS.

Unfortunately, I'm in northern MI on vacation and do not have access to my home library and, hence, cannot give you a good answer right now. VS 2010 Express does have the Microsoft SQL Server Express edition bundled in with C# Express 2010. What this means is that you can use all of the sample code in the database chapters from my book provided you change the connection string to use SQL Server instead of the Jet Engine. I can't remember, but that might even be the default connection string used by VS when you work with database code.

If you can't figure things out before I return home in mid-September, I'll give a more complete answer then.

I'm sorry I can't give you a more definitive answer at the moment.

__________________
Jack Purdum, Ph.D.
Author: Beginning C# 3.0: Introduction to Object Oriented Programming (and 14 other programming texts)

Thanks Jack,

Sounds like the connection string should be easy enough! Now I've finished chatper 10 you mention I should think up some of my own programs before moving on to the debugging chapter, I was thinking of a simple application that allows you to store music, video and image information (like a media library) I would create a class for each media type and implement Icomparable so the controlling class can sort the objects.

Does this sound ok ? I like to know I'm ready before moving on :D

Finally, will what I am learning in your book transfer over to programming with WPF? I guess at the core it's all still C#?

Hope you are enjoying your vacation

Mike

My guess is that you and I would write the class code differently than you would, but that doesn't mean my design is better. My puposes for such a program may be different than yours. For example, if I have an image library, I would likely create DB tags that would classify each picture into broad catagories (e.g., vacations). I might then have a secondary tag that would allow me to group by year or state. It depends on what you need. Think about the organizational structure you want for each class type and work accordingly.

Here's an idea: design how you think the DB classes should look now. Do it on paper, but don't actually write the code. Indeed, this would be a good place to get a little UML under your belt. Now, finish the book. Having done that, go back and look at your design. My guess is that you will design it differently after you have read the chapter on Inheritance.

Keep me posted!

__________________
Jack Purdum, Ph.D.
Author: Beginning C# 3.0: Introduction to Object Oriented Programming (and 14 other programming texts)