Creating a Connection to a SQL Server Database

1 While the code in this book was being tested, we set up a virtual directory called BegASPNETdb, mapped to a file system directory called C:\BegASPNETdb\webroot. To do the same, go to Start | Settings | Control Panel | Administrative Tools | Personal Web Manager, and enter the following in the Add Directory dialog:

2  In the webroot folder, create a text file called web.config, and fill it with exactly the following:

The presence of this file will ensure that if and when anything goes wrong with one of our ASPX files, we'll get a useful, descriptive error message.

3 Create a subfolder called C:\BegASPNETdb\webroot\ch03, and place a new text file called SQLServer_connection.aspx inside it.

4 Add the following code

<%@ Import namespace="System.Data" %>
<%@ Import namespace="System.Data.SqlClient" %>


  
    
  

  
    




First Example: Listing data from the Employees table

    
                  runat="server"
                  GridLines="None"
                  BackColor="LightBlue"
                  CellPadding="5"
                  CellSpacing="5"
                  BorderWidth="2"
                  BorderColor="Black"
                  ToolTip="Includes only those employees who are at HQ" />
  

5 Everything is now in place for you to browse to http://localhost/BegASPNETdb/ch03/SQLServer_connection.aspx, where you should see the screen overleaf.