StrataFrame Forum » StrataFrame Application Framework - V1 » WinForms (How do I?) » Switching database connections

Switching database connections

Doug Zapp — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:27:20 GMT

Is there a way to switch database connections such that I can jump from a development database to a production database, and back again?

I know that I can remove the AppKeys.dat and Connections.dat files to remove the connections and then re-initialize via the Connection Wizard. But this also wipes out all connections rather than a specific one.

Thanks.

RE: Switching database connections

Edhy Rijo — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:27:20 GMT

Thanks Greg.

Doug, glad it worked for you too!

RE: Switching database connections

Greg McGuffey — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:21:59 GMT

Edhy,

The only thing I'm adding is how to handle dirty forms automatically (i.e. skip the dialog). I test if it is dirty and then usually just undo (since this is used only the dev environment). Hated clicking cancel 50 times....

Doug,

Glad you got it working! :D

RE: Switching database connections

Doug Zapp — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:49:07 GMT

So far I like Edhy's approach, which I've modified for my purposes. I like this better because it gives me control ahead of time as to which environment I log into. This code is added in my Program.cs file in ShowLoginAndInitMainForm method. It will only fire if I'm running from VS.

#if (DEBUG)
if (ConnectionManager.ShowAvailableConnectionStrings())
ConnectionManager.SetConnections();
#endif

RE: Switching database connections

Edhy Rijo — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:40:50 GMT

[quote][b]Greg McGuffey (07/09/2009)[/b][hr]I do something very similar. The only thing I have added to this is a check to see if the form is dirty, with code to handle that situation. [/quote]
Hi Greg,

I am assuming that when calling form.Close() that if the form is dirty it will ask you if you want to save the changes. I have not tested, but took that assumption for granted :P . Can you please elaborate on why are you handling this?

RE: Switching database connections

Greg McGuffey — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:11:10 GMT

I do something very similar. The only thing I have added to this is a check to see if the form is dirty, with code to handle that situation.

I allow this only for developers and it allows me to have multiple "dev" environments, as I can setup multiple connections, then just choose which I want. E.g. I have a local connection, which attaches to a local db and I have a remote connection that attaches to a db in our data center.

RE: Switching database connections

Edhy Rijo — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:21:44 GMT

Hi Doug,

I use the following routine from a menu option so my users can change the database connection.
[codesnippet]
Private Sub SetDatabaseConnection()
'-- Check security for this module
If Not CheckSecuritySecurityIsGranted("DatabaseConnection") Then
Exit Sub
End If

'-- Show the connection dialog and allow a connection to be selected
If MicroFour.StrataFrame.Data.ConnectionManager.ShowAvailableConnectionStrings() Then
'-- Since a connection was selected, then all of the existing dialogs need to be closed
' since their connection is established to the original source.
For Each loForm As Form In Me.MdiChildren
loForm.Close()
loForm.Dispose()
Next

'-- Force the connections to be reset
MicroFour.StrataFrame.Data.ConnectionManager.SetConnections()

End If
End Sub
[/codesnippet]