SQL, ASP.NET, databases, websites, im confused... please help?

Question

I have always wanted to get into a little bit of web design and programming and low and behold I got a free server and was told I could get free software for being a student. So I am set to my website and host it at home (at least for now while I am learning and developing the website.) The only thing is that I am confused about many things and many of the explanations I find online are not very informative (well not informative about my questions.)

First of all I should list what I have available to me.

- A server (HP Proliant ML350 G3 that I am trying to install Windows Server 2003 standard x32 on, I don’t know or think there is a 32 bit version of Windows Server 2008 standard.)
- Visual Studio 2010 Professional (I will be learning/using C# to write my ASP.NET 4 website)
- Other various programs and software(For example: MS SQL Server 2008 Developer and Express)

Second I will list what I am working on and want:
- An ASP.NET 4 website (For 2 different major purposes: A store and a forum of trade)
- A database (First to keep track of the items in the store, the cart, and other things related to the store. Second to keep a list of items each user has, that are a portion of the items available in the store.)
- All of this on one server (The server I have listed above)

So here is the issue. I do not know much about any of this. I understand that I have to learn the C# language or another language on my own to write the code and that is fine. I have taken a few intro classes to programming and am planning on getting a C# ASP.NET 4 book soon. I will also have to learn how everything works together. So what I am asking for is some information that I am confused about. I have many questions but here are just a few.

- What is SQL? Is it the database it’s self or is it just the language to get information for the database?
- Is the database kept in a file on a web server or is it something that NEEDS to be on its own database server of some kind? (This is where I am really confused, I have no clue how databases work or how SQL works.)
- How does the database getting called by the website?
- Can I run an ASP.NET 4 website on Windows Server 2003 standard?
- Can I run an SQL database on Windows Server 2003 standard or MS SQL Server Express? Is MS SQL Server Express the database program or an OS? (I am assuming MS SQL Server Developer is where you make a database or edit one???)
- Can I run both my website and my database on the same server? Would it be better to have the database somewhere else? (Maybe a computer with XP or another copy of Windows Server 2003 standard?)
- If my server isn’t good enough for this then what would you recommend rather than buying a new server? (I don’t have that kind of money.)

I thank you in advance for any information, advice, tips, or encouragement you can provide!

Stephen

Answer 1

What is SQL?

- SQL is basically a Server Query Language (off the top of my head), I know it well but I'm have ventured from SQL for a while now. Okay, the SQL server will hold the database and you interact with the database using the SQL language. So, in C# you will have to hook up the database driver to your project that will allow you to communicate with the server (even if it is on the same pc). The server reads off port 80 (?) so the driver controls all communication between the program and database. That might be too difficult to understand. Basically after installing the SQL server then add the C# driver or library that allows you to contact a SQL server and get all the details to set up the connection. You send your information you wish to save and retrieve through commands. Try W3Schools for those tutorials such as INSERT etc.

Its extremely easy, I suggest trying WAMP server to introduce yourself to it. REALLY! Microsoft doesnt exactly make things easy for someone trying things alone. WAMP has the SQL server set up already for you. WAMP is an internet server that allows you to host a website and also has PHP and SQL set up already. All you then do is download the SQL driver for C# and then youre ready to go!



Why code in c# or ASP?



I would recommend programming a website using HTML and PHP. The HTML is used to design the look, and the PHP retrieves products and handles all dynamic page data on the website. Using PHP and SQL is almost natural together. I dont see the benefits of using C# and ASP to program a webpage. I dont know if you will get compatibility errors if you were to load the website in linux as C# and ASP.net is a microsoft technology.



If youre serious about a website then I suggest you pick up a PHP and SQL book soon!



However, if you are looking to write a desktop application then I would recommend either Java, C++, or C#. But C++ is probably the most valuable programming language in my opinion as this is possibly the one programming language that you can say if you can program in c++ you can do them all.





So...

a) pick up a book on PHP and SQL and maybe HTML (you'll find millions of tutorials for them)

b) keep your computer and install WAMP on it to host your website and SQL server that is already set up for you!!!!!!!! Perfect for a beginner or someone who dont want to set it up themselves

c) pick up a java/c++/c# book if you want to develop desktop apps



Hope that helps

Answer 2

it seems u see a lot of techniques that make you confuse

what u have to do now

1)c# a programming language desined specialy for .net

2)sql language let you interact with database

3)asp language let the page interact with server "it create and send html to use and get the data when user submit)

4)ADO.net it is library let c# interact with database



ok here is example

u need to creat a page that store user data

1) u creat the table in the database using SQL

2) u creat the page adding buttons and textbox using asp

3) u write C# code that check that data is valid or not and then using ADO.net add data to database



this what u need to know now

start learning 1st C# > sql> ado.net > asp



i dont know about server management but think of it after u done learning these things

Answer 3

Above answer is pretty good, all I would add is that ASP.NET is just fine, there is virtually nothing PHP can do that ASP.NET cannot. The main drawback of ASP.NET is that it's not free, who-ever runs your server has to purchase it from Microsoft.



I prefer PHP, but ASP.NET is just as good IMHO.