Extract Data-tier Application Tutorial

This tutorial is intended for users who are new to data-tier applications (DAC), but are familiar with database concepts and Transact-SQL statements. It will help new users get started by showing them the basic steps for extracting a DAC package from an existing database and importing that into a DAC project in Visual Studio 2010 to start development of the next version of the DAC.

What You Will Learn

This tutorial shows you how to perform the basic steps in extracting a DAC using the features in SQL Server 2008 R2 and importing the DAC package to a DAC project in Visual Studio 2010.

A DAC defines the schema and database level objects used by a three-tier or client-server application. The DAC definition is built into a DAC package file, which is a single unit of deployment similar to a Windows installer (.msi) file. The DAC package is used to deploy the DAC to an instance of the Database Engine. You can then manage and monitor the DAC using the Object Explorer and Utility Explorer in SQL Server Management Studio.

The tutorial assumes that you have installed an instance of the Database Engine from SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (SP2) or later, SQL Server Management Studio from SQL Server 2008 R2 or later, and Visual Studio 2010.

You will perform the following tasks:

  • Create a simple sample database on the instance of the Database Engine.

  • Use the Extract Data-tier Application Wizard to extract a DAC package from the sample database.

  • Create a DAC project in Visual Studio, and then import the DAC package into the project.

This tutorial is divided into three lessons:

Requirements

To complete this tutorial, you should be familiar with the Transact-SQL language and how to use SQL Server Management Studio, including the Database Engine Query Editor. You must be a member of the sysadmin fixed server role.

Your system must have the following installed:

  • An instance of the Database Engine from SQL Server 2008 SP2 or later.

  • SQL Server Management Studio from SQL Server 2008 R2 or later.

  • Microsoft Visual Studio 2010.

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 SP1 or a later version.

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