dotConnect for SQL Server

dotConnect for SQL Server is a versatile enterprise-grade connector that enables access to SQL Server data in .NET applications of all levels. It delivers broad compatibility with SQL Server versions and .NET platforms, and easy integration with a number of IDEs, including Visual Studio.

Moreover, this connector regularly undergoes security and performance tests to make sure it stays ahead of the competition at all times. Extra benefits include premium support, frequent updates, and detailed documentation to help you with a quick and easy start from day one.

• Access to data with no need for any client libraries
• Full compliance with ADO.NET standards
• Secure connections to SQL Server via TCP/IP
• Support for SQL Server-specific data types
• Integration with Visual Studio

Installation

1. Install the NuGet Package

Or download the Windows installer (.exe) from the official website.

2. Activate license

• Free Trial License: Evaluate the full capabilities of dotConnect for SQL Server in a non-commercial environment—ideal for development and testing. Start your free trial
• Commercial License: Deploy dotConnect for SQL Server in commercial applications and access full technical support with a valid license. Purchase a license

Usage

This snippet directly configures a SQL Server connection using a connection string.

``csharp=

using Devart.Data.SqlServer;

public sealed class Program

{

public static void Main(string[] args)

{

try

{

string connectionString = "" +

"Data Source=127.0.0.1;" +

"User Id=TestUser;" +

"Password=TestPassword;" +

"Initial Catalog=TestDb;" +

"License key=**********";

using (SqlConnection connection = new SqlConnection(connectionString))

{

connection.Open();

Console.WriteLine("Connection successful!");

}

}

catch (Exception ex)

{

Console.WriteLine("An error occurred: " + ex.Message);

}

}

}

```

Read the full documentation for connection here.

Compatibility

The following table show which version of this package to use with which version of frameworks.

.NET | 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5

.NET Core | 3.1, 2

.NET Framework | 4.8-2.0

More information here

Advanced Visual Studio Integration with SQL Server

dotConnect for SQL Server provides a vast number of GUI tools that increase your productivity. For example, it includes DataSet tools, such as DataSet Wizard, DataSet Editor, DataSet Manager, provide you an easy way to create and edit typed and untyped DataSets.

SQL Server ADO.NET Provider supports advanced Visual Studio integration (DDEX) and provides convenient visual component editors to simplify component tweaking.