Deploying a sql server/vb.net winforms app

[Z064life]

I made a db driven application in vb.net and sql server, and when I run this application on a machine without sql server/iis etc, I get an error saying unhandled exception has occurred if you press continue the application will attempt to execute. And then it says there's a problem with establishing the connection with sql server (the same problem which occurs when I would run the program but having not started the sql server service). After this, there is some code from where the error occurs.

In all my experience, I haven't read of anything I should have done to get the application to run fine. The client's PC doesn't have sql server/visual studio or anything installed on it.

[pdV6]

Er, just how are you expecting your program to run in the absence of a database then, seeing as it's "db driven" in your words?

[GnuBee]

I'm going to sound like an old f!rt but this is a problem with not understanding your dependencies which is symptomatic of today's integrated development toolsets; The MS development tools are "good" at hiding the underlying complexity from you so you're not neccessarily aware that your new application requires a full blown SQL server installation (you do know the licensing model/costs for SQL server don't you?) and also that you need a Microsoft IIS install etc etc.

Ok so that's the moan out of the way; as the other poster indicated your "issue" is that you don't have SQL server present on the destination PC and yet you have a data-driven application which by definition needs data which it will be looking for in a database.

You can download, from MS, various versions of SQL Server 2005 including 2005 Express - you need to visit their website and make absolutely sure that you meet their licensing criteria particularly as you make reference to a client so I'm assuming this is a commercial project.

Without wishing to be patronising if you're going to take on commercial work then you need to be absolutely aware of your deployment dependencies particularly when those dependencies can bring with them significant cost and/or infrastructure demands.

Edited by GnuBee on Monday 3rd September 16:23

[The Griffalo]

MSDE is your friend. (Guiding you towards the answer without actually giving it to you)

[Z064life]

My naivety is amazing. Thanks for the heads up people. The system uses sql server express so I will install that on the destination pc, and also backup/restore the database. I am also aware of the licensing costs and model for deploying enterprise sql server apps.

Edited by Z064life on Monday 3rd September 16:34

[rich1231]

Cant believe you have taken on paid work in a professional capacity and are clueless.

[pdV6]

The Griffalo said:

MSDE is your friend. (Guiding you towards the answer without actually giving it to you)

Strictly speaking, SQL Express these days (as has already been mentioned)

[The Griffalo]

Like I care, I use MySQL

[pdV6]

furry muff