Getting a connection string

Question

The program I'm writing accesses a database. So when I use the SqlConnection() class, I hard code the actual connection string as a parameter. Eventually I'd like o deploy this program to different users. So my question is:

When a user installs a program on their computer, how does the new connection string get created, where is it stored, and how can I access it?

Thanks for the help

Since you are writing the program, you may choose and design it. It does not happen automatically. — Silas Reinagel
– Silas Reinagel, Commented Mar 3, 2016 at 16:55
C# has a few drawbacks where connection strings are concerned. Try looking at this question. stackoverflow.com/questions/17936392/… — Kassabba
– Kassabba, Commented Mar 3, 2016 at 19:04

Peter Smith · Accepted Answer · 2016-03-03 17:11:13Z

2

You need to out it in a configuration file and load it from there. For an ASP.NET application it would be in the web.config file;

 <connectionStrings>
    <add name="MyConnection" connectionString="MyConnectionString" />
 </connectionStrings>

and then use

string connectionString = ConfigurationManager.ConnectionStrings["MyConnection"].ConnectionString

in your application.

The for each installation it would be configured for the local requirements.

For a desktop application the details are different but the principle is the same.

See references in answer from Luis Sagasta

edited Mar 3, 2016 at 17:11

answered Mar 3, 2016 at 16:58

Peter Smith

5,5529 gold badges54 silver badges80 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Comments

Luis Sagasta · Accepted Answer · 2016-03-03 17:02:34Z

1

As explained in MSDN, you should save the connection string in the configuration file: MSDN: Connection Strings and Configuration Files

In the same article you will find information about encrypting the configuration section: MSDN:Encrypting Configuration File Sections Using Protected Configuration

Regards.

answered Mar 3, 2016 at 17:02

Luis Sagasta

3712 silver badges6 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Getting a connection string

2 Answers 2

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Linked

Related