November 11, 2012 at 8:03 am
I am an SQL Server Express and Server Management Studio newbie. I am currently on pg 380 of the 2012 Bible. I am working on some volunteer projects where a database and interface would be helpful. Of course these projects could be done much quicker and more efficiently by someone who knew what they were doing. But then, it would cost a bunch and I wouldn’t learn anything. So…here are some questions that have come up as I plow through the bible:
SERVER INSTANCES: Currently I have one instance running. However, I have two little projects started plus a dbo for reusable tables like statename/statecode and the like. On top of that, I would like to load some of the training db’s by MS and Joes to Pros. Object Explorer is getting a little congested and confusing. QUESTION: is it a good idea to split these up into separate instances?
COLLECTING DATA FOR TRANSFER TO A DATABASE: I am coming across data that I want to put into tables in a db. However, I am far from ready to create and add data to tables. QUESTION: what is the best way to start storing data with an eye toward transferring to a db. Excel? Access? Suggestions?
ONE MORE THING…: Can SQL Server Express be used to create relatively small, portable and self-contained databases? i.e. databases that can be moved in their entirety from one person/computer to another? FYI, Not a cloud fan.
Thanks for your help. cjamt
November 11, 2012 at 4:18 pm
cjamt (11/11/2012)
I am an SQL Server Express and Server Management Studio newbie. I am currently on pg 380 of the 2012 Bible. I am working on some volunteer projects where a database and interface would be helpful. Of course these projects could be done much quicker and more efficiently by someone who knew what they were doing. But then, it would cost a bunch and I wouldn’t learn anything. So…here are some questions that have come up as I plow through the bible:SERVER INSTANCES: Currently I have one instance running. However, I have two little projects started plus a dbo for reusable tables like statename/statecode and the like. On top of that, I would like to load some of the training db’s by MS and Joes to Pros. Object Explorer is getting a little congested and confusing. QUESTION: is it a good idea to split these up into separate instances?
COLLECTING DATA FOR TRANSFER TO A DATABASE: I am coming across data that I want to put into tables in a db. However, I am far from ready to create and add data to tables. QUESTION: what is the best way to start storing data with an eye toward transferring to a db. Excel? Access? Suggestions?
ONE MORE THING…: Can SQL Server Express be used to create relatively small, portable and self-contained databases? i.e. databases that can be moved in their entirety from one person/computer to another? FYI, Not a cloud fan.
Thanks for your help. cjamt
A single instance sounds fine for what you are doing.
Excel, Access, or text files will all be fine to store your data in. When you are ready, looking to SSIS and the Data Import wizard to help you import your data.
SQL Server Expresss can be used as you describe. You will have to deal with logins. If you were using SQL Server 2012 you could use contained databases to accomplish what you describe.
November 12, 2012 at 6:11 am
Thanks for the quick reply. cjamt
November 12, 2012 at 6:30 am
One instance will work, but I'd keep the training databases on a separate instance, or even in a separate virtual computer, if it were me. That way, you can play with them in a nicely isolated sandbox. Part of the purpose of using training databases is you can try stupid things in them, without hurting your other databases.
If you decide to move ahead on learning SQL Server, I recommend getting a copy of Developer Edition. Currently running at $43 on Amazon, and it has all the features of Enterprise Edition. With that, instead of Express, you can teach yourself all the features you want, instead of just the ones in Express.
Just don't use Dev for any databases that are in actual use. Use Express for the small databases you are currently working on. Use Dev for a playground and proof-of-concept sandbox.
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