maintaining the database

best way to do this

[sirjon]

I am using UltraDev but also learning to Programme ASP myself.
However, I am confused as to the best way to maintain the database.
If I need to add tables or fields, should I be downloading it and then uploading it back. As it grows, this is taking longer and longer – or should I be learning to do this programmatically.
Do most sites have a ‘control page’ that does all the database work on line?
Also, can you compact and repair without downloading the DB.
Many thanks in advance.

[BlobFisk]

Welcome [webmasterworld.com] to WebmasterWorld, sirjon.

This can be done programmatically using the CreateTable command in SQL. We would rarely download the database and make changes and then upload it, but would do this at a scripting level. Granted this is mostly done on a staging (testing) server as opposed to the production (online) server.

[patsikes]

Sirjon,

There is a asp based tool that I think is great for what you would like to do. It is called TableEditor and you can download it for free (open source) from [2enetworx.com...]

2enetworx is a open source website that has lots of great projects, including TableEditor, a Survey, and even the entire website.

I hope this helps.

Patrick