This article, provides a basic example, on how to establish a connection to SQL Server from a C# program with the use of the “using” statement in C# which help you better managing your database connections.
Using the System.Data.SqlClient
Use the System.Data.SqlClient namespace in the top section of your code as below:
using System.Data.SqlClient;
Setting the Connection String
Set the connection string – Trusted connection (Windows Authentication). In the below example I’m using “master” as the default database. You can replace “master” with the default database you wish to set:
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In case you want to set a connection string with standard security (username/password – not recommended) then you can set the connection string based on the below example:
With the “using” keyword, .NET automatically manages the task of closing the connection to the database. This an easy way to avoid “connection leak” issues. Here’s the code example:
using (SqlConnection conn = new SqlConnection(connString))
{
//set the command to execute against SQL Server (this is where you set your query)
string query = @"SELECT[fileid],[filename] FROM sysfiles";
SqlCommand cmd = new SqlCommand(query, conn);
//open connection
conn.Open();
//the actual command execution
SqlDataReader dr = cmd.ExecuteReader();
//if reader has any rows retrieve them
if (dr.HasRows)
{
while (dr.Read())
{
//handle the retrieved record (i.e. display it)
MessageBox.Show(dr.GetInt16(0) + " – " + dr.GetString(1));
}
}
else
{
MessageBox.Show("No data found.");
}
dr.Close();
}
Artemakis Artemiou is a seasoned Senior Database and AI/Automation Architect with over 20 years of expertise in the IT industry. As a Certified Database, Cloud, and AI professional, he has been recognized as a thought leader, earning the prestigious Microsoft Data Platform MVP title for nine consecutive years (2009-2018). Driven by a passion for simplifying complex topics, Artemakis shares his expertise through articles, online courses, and speaking engagements. He empowers professionals around the globe to excel in Databases, Cloud, AI, Automation, and Software Development. Committed to innovation and education, Artemakis strives to make technology accessible and impactful for everyone.
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