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Overview of Databases (SQL Server Compact)

You can create or connect to a Microsoft SQL Server Compact database on a desktop computer.

A SQL Server Compact database is stored in a file with the .sdf extension. The file contains the complete contents of the database and can be up to 4 GB. SQL Server Compact can access and modify the database file on desktop computers by using Visual Studio 2010 Service Pack 1 and other tools.

By using either Visual Studio 2010 Service Pack 1 or Transact-SQL statements, you can connect to an existing database on a desktop. You can also create and modify databases from a desktop. You can then view the design of that database in a tree hierarchy by using the object tree. Each node has a shortcut menu with commands for modifying the database or retrieving information about the database.

Some of the functions you can perform in a SQL Server Compact database include the following:

  • Creating, deleting, and editing tables and the associated data.

  • Creating, maintaining, and deleting indexes.

  • Examining information schema views and data types.

You can use Transact-SQL commands, including data manipulation language (DML), data definition language (DDL), and functions, with the SQL Server Compact database.

You can also ASP.NET web applications with a database that is exposed through native and managed APIs.

See Also

Concepts

Understanding Databases (SQL Server Compact)

Common Database Tasks (SQL Server Compact)

Maintaining Databases (SQL Server Compact)

Other Resources

Performing Common Database Tasks (SQL Server Compact)