Course Description

This class is a continuation of my ASP.NET Web Development Intermediate class so I will jump right into the new topics of database development with ASP.NET. Learning how to connect and interact with a database (s) in ASP.NET is the next step in understanding how to do web development in ASP.NET. After the basics of the ASP.NET components and C# syntax are learned, students are ready to create truly dynamic web sites. The great thing about the .NET architecture when it comes to databases is that you can practically use any database with ASP.NET. So for this class I will be showing you (within all my lesson examples) how to interact with 3 separate databaes: SQL Server, MySQL and MS Access. This class will show you how to use the different data controls that are available and how efficiently they do most of the "grunt work" for you. Although in order to create truly flexible database web applications you need to understand how to use many of the data objects (Connection, Command, DataReader, DataSet) with C# as well. This class will teach you many of the different ways data can be displayed and filtered on a web page just like many of the commerical sites out there. This is a 5 week, self-paced, online course. If you need additional help understanding the material presented, you can communicate with the instructor and fellow classmates. The instructor will monitor and track your progress throughout the class. LVS Online offers many wonderful learning tools to help you get the most out of your online course, including an online portfolio service that manages all your course registrations, certificate of completion option, a class discussion board to interact with your instructor and fellow classmates, free hosting account, and a student upload area. LVS is a Corel Training Partner. LVS students may purchase Corel products at a significant savings. Follow this link for details. LVS students are eligible to receive software and hardware at a discount. Follow this link for details. Students are also eligible take advantage of special offers made available specifically for LVS by famous software developers such as Andromeda, AV Bros, Extensis, Harry Heim, namesuppressed, Nik Multimedia, and Ulead. Details are provided in the classinfo link found in the confirmation of registration. Show off your LVS Online spirit with an item from the LVS Store If you would like to receive more information regarding this course, click on the "Contact Us" link in the Information section and we'll try to answer any of your questions within the day.

Course Requirements

1. Visual Web Developer 2008 Express - Free Download: http://www.microsoft.com/express/download/default.aspx 2. SQL Server 2005 Express - Free Download: http://www.microsoft.com/Sqlserver/2005/en/us/express.aspx Both are fully compatible with any version of Windows XP or Vista. For important information: http://www.microsoft.com/express/support/ Students should have working knowledge of their operating system and must understand directories and paths: Free Windows Class Here Directory Structure Tutorial Here Zip files may be necessary to complete the exercises provided each week. WinZip, PKZip, Windows Compression or similar program is required to unzip these files. Winzip Tutorial Here Windows Compression All lessons are available in PDF format. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view/print the lessons. Plan to devote 3 - 4 hours per week on the lesson and assignment.

Course Prerequisites

I will assume you have taken my: Beginning Web Development with ASP.NET and ASP.NET Web Development Intermediate classes OR have a very good understanding of ASP.NET and C# using Visual Web Developer Express or Visual Studio. I will be using Visual Web Developer Express 2008 for this class but you can use the commercial VS product too.

Course Syllabus

Lesson 1 Database Overview Our Databases: SQL Server, MySQL and MS Access Data Controls Review Connecting to our Database Lesson 2 Understanding the SQLDataSource control SQL: SELECT statement Filtering our data: WHERE statement User interaction with our data Lesson 3 Overview of the Database Objects Connection and Command objects Reviewing the DataReader Lesson 4 Updating and Editing your Database UPDATE and INSERT SQL statements Using other data controls: DataList, DetailsView, Repeater More objects: DataSet Lesson 5 Understanding the GridView control Having other data controls interact with each other Lesson 6 Understanding the importance of Stored Proceedures Useful Techniques Application Development Ideas

Course Excerpt

LESSON 1 Audience for this Class I will assume you have taken my Beginning Web Development with ASP.NET and Intermediate Web Development with ASP.NET class or have a very good understanding of ASP.NET and C# using Visual Web Developer Express or Visual Studio as well as experience in basic web design (HTML and CSS). I will be using Visual Web Developer Express 2008 for this class but you can use earlier edition(s) or the commercial VS product too. Since this class will be focusing on databases, I will be touching on databases created in SQL Server (Express 2005), MySQL (version 5) and Microsoft Access. Even though I will be including a database in all three versions (Microsoft Access, MysQL and SQL Server Express 2005), I will primarily be focusing on how to use SQL Server to create, modify, and configure your data. Everything that is covered in this course can be applied to any of the three database formats that are included in this class. I will explain any of the differences between the three databases as well. I will not be covering how to develop or design a design in this class. I am supplying three completed databases that you will use in the examples given in this class. If you have any questions about database design or want links to resources on the subject you are more than welcome to ask. Data Sources on the Web Many websites on the web today are just a thin user interface shell on top of sophisticated data-driven code that reads and writes information from a database. Often, website users aren't aware (or don't care) that the information displayed originates from a database. They just want to be able to search your product catalog, place an order or check their payment records, etc. E-commerce web sites, such as Amazon and eBay, use databases to provide customers with product information, recommendations, and wish lists and to store feedback and orders. Portal web sites use databases to store articles and user settings, so users don't need to reset them each time they visit the web site. Benefits of Data-Driven Web Sites: 1. Maintenance: Using a database makes it a lot easier to maintain your data and keep it up-to-date. A website driven by a database usually has fewer web pages than a static web site since a data-driven site has web pages that are primarily templates which are filled on-the-fly. 2. Reusability: Information in databases can easily be backed up and reused elsewhere as required. Compared to static web sites where information can't be easily retrieved from the surrounding HTML layout. 3. Data context: Databases allow you to define relationships and rules for the data in your database. For example, you can create a rule in your database that says if you store some information on a book, you must include an author and an ISBN, which in turn must be valid. This will allow for specific criteria for searches to be made as well as the order. 4. Quality and timeliness of content: Databases are optimized for storage and retrieval of data and nothing else. They allow you to use and update information on a live web site almost in real time - something that isn't possible with static web pages. Continued... Please note: Lessons provide step-by-step instructions with detailed screen captures.

Course Goals

After taking this class you will have a solid understanding of all the neccessary skills to create truly scalable and effcient data-driven web sites using ASP.NET and C#. You will undertand the differences of using various databases such as SQL Server and/or MysQL as well as how to interact with them to display and retrieve data in many difference ways.You will also understand the coding practices neccessary to determine which technique will best suit your individual needs.

Course Reviews

New Class May 2009