How to: Initialize the Client Database and Work with Table Schema
This topic shows you how to initialize a Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 client database and work with schema in that database. The examples in this topic focus on the following Synchronization Services for ADO.NET types and events:
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SyncSchema
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SyncTable
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TableCreationOption
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CreatingSchema and CreatingSchemaEventArgs
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SchemaCreated and SchemaCreatedEventArgs
For information about how to run sample code, see "Example Applications in the How to Topics" in Programming Common Synchronization Tasks.
Initializing the client database typically involves copying user schema and data to the database, and enabling change tracking on the database. (Change tracking is not enabled for snapshot synchronization.) For more information, see Architecture and Classes (Synchronization Services). By default, the user schema and data are copied from the server database by the server synchronization provider and then applied to the client database by the client synchronization provider. Even in upload-only scenarios, by default, the schema is created at the client. You can also create the client database manually and specify that the tables in the database should be retained when synchronization occurs.
By default, the following constraints are not copied to the client: FOREIGN KEY constraints, UNIQUE constraints, and DEFAULT constraints. As shown in the example, you can add these constraints if the application requires them. Additionally, some column types are handled differently at the client than on the server. For more information, see Data Type Mapping and Considerations (Synchronization Services).
After the schema is initialized in the client database, the initial data for tables that are participating in snapshot, download-only, and bidirectional synchronization is downloaded by using the query that is specified for the SelectIncrementalInsertsCommand property. The client database is also assigned a client ID. This ID is a GUID that is exposed through the ClientId property, and it uniquely identifies the client to the server. After the client database is created, you can package a copy of the database that has the application as part of your deployment. The client ID is regenerated at each client during the first synchronization.
By default, initializing the client database requires no additional code. For example, see the code in How to: Download a Snapshot of Data to a Client. However, the API provides lots of flexibility. The following example demonstrates four ways to initialize and work with table schema in the client database:
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The
Customertable is initialized by calling a method on theUtilityclass. This method creates the schema on the client by using SQL. TheUtilityclass is available in Utility Class for Synchronization Services How-to Topics. ASalesNotescolumn that is not present at the server is added to the table. This column can be used at the client, but the data will not be synchronized. When aSyncTableis defined for theCustomertable, a value of UseExistingTableOrFail is specified for the CreationOption property. This ensures that the table is not overwritten during the first synchronization.
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The
CustomerContacttable is initialized by default. For this table and the next two tables, a value of DropExistingOrCreateNewTable is specified.
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The
OrderHeadertable is initialized by passing a dataset to the SyncSchema constructor. The dataset is created by calling a method on theUtilityclass.
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The
OrderDetailtable is initialized by adding the table and its columns to theSyncSchemaobject that was created by using theOrderHeaderdataset. As shown in the code, you have lots of control over how the schema is created at the client. Synchronization Services enables you to specify the full range of schema-related properties that ADO.NET exposes.
The code also shows two SqlCeClientSyncProvider events that are associated with schema creation:
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CreatingSchema. This event is raised before the schema is created. This event is used to change the schema by using the API.
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SchemaCreated. This event is raised after the schema is created. This event is used to change the schema by using SQL.
Imports System Imports System.IO Imports System.Text Imports System.Data Imports System.Data.SqlClient Imports System.Data.SqlServerCe Imports Microsoft.Synchronization Imports Microsoft.Synchronization.Data Imports Microsoft.Synchronization.Data.Server Imports Microsoft.Synchronization.Data.SqlServerCe Class Program Shared Sub Main(ByVal args() As String) 'The Utility class handles all functionality that is not 'directly related to synchronization, such as holding connection 'string information and making changes to the server and client databases. Dim util As New Utility() 'The SampleStats class handles information from the SyncStatistics 'object that the Synchronize method returns. Dim sampleStats As New SampleStats() 'Request a password for the client database, and delete 'and re-create the database. The client synchronization 'provider also enables you to create the client database 'if it does not exist. util.SetClientPassword() util.RecreateClientDatabase() 'Create the Customer table on the client by using SQL. We add 'a SalesNotes column that will not be synchronized. 'When we create the Customer SyncTable, we specify that 'Synchronization Services should use an existing table. util.CreateTableOnClient() 'Initial synchronization. Instantiate the SyncAgent 'and call Synchronize. Dim sampleSyncAgent As New SampleSyncAgent() Dim syncStatistics As SyncStatistics = sampleSyncAgent.Synchronize() sampleStats.DisplayStats(syncStatistics, "initial") 'Make changes on the server and client. util.MakeDataChangesOnServer("Customer") util.MakeDataChangesOnClient("Customer") 'Subsequent synchronization. syncStatistics = sampleSyncAgent.Synchronize() sampleStats.DisplayStats(syncStatistics, "subsequent") 'Return the server data back to its original state. util.CleanUpServer() 'Exit. Console.Write(vbLf + "Press Enter to close the window.") Console.ReadLine() End Sub 'Main End Class 'Program 'Create a class that is derived from 'Microsoft.Synchronization.SyncAgent. Public Class SampleSyncAgent Inherits SyncAgent Public Sub New() 'Instantiate a client synchronization provider and specify it 'as the local provider for this synchronization agent. Me.LocalProvider = New SampleClientSyncProvider() 'Instantiate a server synchronization provider and specify it 'as the remote provider for this synchronization agent. Me.RemoteProvider = New SampleServerSyncProvider() 'Create two SyncGroups so that changes to OrderHeader 'and OrderDetail are made in one transaction. Depending on 'application requirements, you might include Customer 'and CustomerContact in the same group. Dim customerSyncGroup As New SyncGroup("Customer") Dim orderSyncGroup As New SyncGroup("Order") 'Add each table: specify a synchronization direction of 'Bidirectional. We create the Customer table before sync: 'we set CreationOption to UseExistingTableOrFail so 'we are sure that the table exists. Dim customerSyncTable As New SyncTable("Customer") customerSyncTable.CreationOption = TableCreationOption.UseExistingTableOrFail customerSyncTable.SyncDirection = SyncDirection.Bidirectional customerSyncTable.SyncGroup = customerSyncGroup Me.Configuration.SyncTables.Add(customerSyncTable) Dim customerContactSyncTable As New SyncTable("CustomerContact") customerContactSyncTable.CreationOption = TableCreationOption.DropExistingOrCreateNewTable customerContactSyncTable.SyncDirection = SyncDirection.Bidirectional customerContactSyncTable.SyncGroup = customerSyncGroup Me.Configuration.SyncTables.Add(customerContactSyncTable) Dim orderHeaderSyncTable As New SyncTable("OrderHeader") orderHeaderSyncTable.CreationOption = TableCreationOption.DropExistingOrCreateNewTable orderHeaderSyncTable.SyncDirection = SyncDirection.Bidirectional orderHeaderSyncTable.SyncGroup = orderSyncGroup Me.Configuration.SyncTables.Add(orderHeaderSyncTable) Dim orderDetailSyncTable As New SyncTable("OrderDetail") orderDetailSyncTable.CreationOption = TableCreationOption.DropExistingOrCreateNewTable orderDetailSyncTable.SyncDirection = SyncDirection.Bidirectional orderDetailSyncTable.SyncGroup = orderSyncGroup Me.Configuration.SyncTables.Add(orderDetailSyncTable) End Sub 'New End Class 'SampleSyncAgent 'Create a class that is derived from 'Microsoft.Synchronization.Server.DbServerSyncProvider. Public Class SampleServerSyncProvider Inherits DbServerSyncProvider Public Sub New() 'Create a connection to the sample server database. Dim util As New Utility() Dim serverConn As New SqlConnection(util.ServerConnString) Me.Connection = serverConn 'Create a command to retrieve a new anchor value from 'the server. In this case, we use a timestamp value 'that is retrieved and stored in the client database. 'During each synchronization, the new anchor value and 'the last anchor value from the previous synchronization 'are used: the set of changes between these upper and 'lower bounds is synchronized. ' 'SyncSession.SyncNewReceivedAnchor is a string constant; 'you could also use @sync_new_received_anchor directly in 'your queries. Dim selectNewAnchorCommand As New SqlCommand() Dim newAnchorVariable As String = "@" + SyncSession.SyncNewReceivedAnchor With selectNewAnchorCommand .CommandText = "SELECT " + newAnchorVariable + " = min_active_rowversion() - 1" .Parameters.Add(newAnchorVariable, SqlDbType.Timestamp) .Parameters(newAnchorVariable).Direction = ParameterDirection.Output .Connection = serverConn End With Me.SelectNewAnchorCommand = selectNewAnchorCommand 'Create SyncAdapters for each table by using the SqlSyncAdapterBuilder: ' * Specify the base table and tombstone table names. ' * Specify the columns that are used to track when ' and where changes are made. ' * Specify bidirectional synchronization, so that all ' commands are generated. ' * Call ToSyncAdapter to create the SyncAdapter. ' * Specify a name for the SyncAdapter that matches the ' the name specified for the corresponding SyncTable. ' Do not include the schema names (Sales in this case). 'Customer table Dim customerBuilder As New SqlSyncAdapterBuilder(serverConn) With customerBuilder .TableName = "Sales.Customer" .TombstoneTableName = customerBuilder.TableName + "_Tombstone" .SyncDirection = SyncDirection.Bidirectional .CreationTrackingColumn = "InsertTimestamp" .UpdateTrackingColumn = "UpdateTimestamp" .DeletionTrackingColumn = "DeleteTimestamp" .CreationOriginatorIdColumn = "InsertId" .UpdateOriginatorIdColumn = "UpdateId" .DeletionOriginatorIdColumn = "DeleteId" End With Dim customerSyncAdapter As SyncAdapter = customerBuilder.ToSyncAdapter() customerSyncAdapter.TableName = "Customer" Me.SyncAdapters.Add(customerSyncAdapter) 'CustomerContact table. Dim customerContactBuilder As New SqlSyncAdapterBuilder(serverConn) With customerContactBuilder .TableName = "Sales.CustomerContact" .TombstoneTableName = customerContactBuilder.TableName + "_Tombstone" .SyncDirection = SyncDirection.Bidirectional .CreationTrackingColumn = "InsertTimestamp" .UpdateTrackingColumn = "UpdateTimestamp" .DeletionTrackingColumn = "DeleteTimestamp" .CreationOriginatorIdColumn = "InsertId" .UpdateOriginatorIdColumn = "UpdateId" .DeletionOriginatorIdColumn = "DeleteId" End With Dim customerContactSyncAdapter As SyncAdapter = customerContactBuilder.ToSyncAdapter() customerContactSyncAdapter.TableName = "CustomerContact" Me.SyncAdapters.Add(customerContactSyncAdapter) 'OrderHeader table. Dim orderHeaderBuilder As New SqlSyncAdapterBuilder(serverConn) With orderHeaderBuilder .TableName = "Sales.OrderHeader" .TombstoneTableName = orderHeaderBuilder.TableName + "_Tombstone" .SyncDirection = SyncDirection.Bidirectional .CreationTrackingColumn = "InsertTimestamp" .UpdateTrackingColumn = "UpdateTimestamp" .DeletionTrackingColumn = "DeleteTimestamp" .CreationOriginatorIdColumn = "InsertId" .UpdateOriginatorIdColumn = "UpdateId" .DeletionOriginatorIdColumn = "DeleteId" End With Dim orderHeaderSyncAdapter As SyncAdapter = orderHeaderBuilder.ToSyncAdapter() orderHeaderSyncAdapter.TableName = "OrderHeader" Me.SyncAdapters.Add(orderHeaderSyncAdapter) 'OrderDetail table. Dim orderDetailBuilder As New SqlSyncAdapterBuilder(serverConn) With orderDetailBuilder .TableName = "Sales.OrderDetail" .TombstoneTableName = orderDetailBuilder.TableName + "_Tombstone" .SyncDirection = SyncDirection.Bidirectional .CreationTrackingColumn = "InsertTimestamp" .UpdateTrackingColumn = "UpdateTimestamp" .DeletionTrackingColumn = "DeleteTimestamp" .CreationOriginatorIdColumn = "InsertId" .UpdateOriginatorIdColumn = "UpdateId" .DeletionOriginatorIdColumn = "DeleteId" End With Dim orderDetailSyncAdapter As SyncAdapter = orderDetailBuilder.ToSyncAdapter() orderDetailSyncAdapter.TableName = "OrderDetail" Me.SyncAdapters.Add(orderDetailSyncAdapter) 'Create the schema for the OrderHeader and OrderDetail tables. 'We first create a schema based on a DataSet that contains only 'the OrderHeader table. As with the SyncAdapter, the table name 'must match the SyncTable name. We then add the schema for the 'OrderDetail table; this is the place to map data types if 'your application requires it. Dim orderHeaderDataSet As DataSet = util.CreateDataSetFromServer() orderHeaderDataSet.Tables(0).TableName = "OrderHeader" Me.Schema = New SyncSchema(orderHeaderDataSet) With Me.Schema .Tables.Add("OrderDetail") .Tables("OrderDetail").Columns.Add("OrderDetailId") .Tables("OrderDetail").Columns("OrderDetailId").ProviderDataType = "int" .Tables("OrderDetail").Columns("OrderDetailId").AllowNull = False .Tables("OrderDetail").Columns.Add("OrderId") .Tables("OrderDetail").Columns("OrderId").ProviderDataType = "uniqueidentifier" .Tables("OrderDetail").Columns("OrderId").RowGuid = True .Tables("OrderDetail").Columns("OrderId").AllowNull = False .Tables("OrderDetail").Columns.Add("Product") .Tables("OrderDetail").Columns("Product").ProviderDataType = "nvarchar" .Tables("OrderDetail").Columns("Product").MaxLength = 100 .Tables("OrderDetail").Columns("Product").AllowNull = False .Tables("OrderDetail").Columns.Add("Quantity") .Tables("OrderDetail").Columns("Quantity").ProviderDataType = "int" .Tables("OrderDetail").Columns("Quantity").AllowNull = False End With 'The primary key columns are passed as a string array. Dim orderDetailPrimaryKey(1) As String orderDetailPrimaryKey(0) = "OrderDetailId" orderDetailPrimaryKey(1) = "OrderId" Me.Schema.Tables("OrderDetail").PrimaryKey = orderDetailPrimaryKey End Sub 'New End Class 'SampleServerSyncProvider 'Create a class that is derived from 'Microsoft.Synchronization.Data.SqlServerCe.SqlCeClientSyncProvider. 'You can just instantiate the provider directly and associate it 'with the SyncAgent, but here we use this class to handle client 'provider events. Public Class SampleClientSyncProvider Inherits SqlCeClientSyncProvider Public Sub New() 'Specify a connection string for the sample client database. Dim util As New Utility() Me.ConnectionString = util.ClientConnString 'We use the CreatingSchema event to change the schema 'by using the API. We use the SchemaCreated event 'to change the schema by using SQL. 'Note that both schema events fire for the Customer table, 'even though we already created the table. This allows us 'to work with the table at this point if we need to. AddHandler Me.CreatingSchema, AddressOf SampleClientSyncProvider_CreatingSchema AddHandler Me.SchemaCreated, AddressOf SampleClientSyncProvider_SchemaCreated End Sub 'New Private Sub SampleClientSyncProvider_CreatingSchema(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As CreatingSchemaEventArgs) Dim tableName As String = e.Table.TableName Console.Write("Creating schema for " + tableName + " | ") If tableName = "OrderHeader" Then 'Set the RowGuid property because it is not copied 'to the client by default. This is also a good time 'to specify literal defaults with .Columns[ColName].DefaultValue, 'but we will specify defaults like NEWID() by calling 'ALTER TABLE after the table is created. e.Schema.Tables("OrderHeader").Columns("OrderId").RowGuid = True End If If tableName = "OrderDetail" Then 'Add a foreign key between the OrderHeader and OrderDetail tables. e.Schema.Tables("OrderDetail").ForeignKeys.Add("FK_OrderDetail_OrderHeader", "OrderHeader", "OrderId", "OrderDetail", "OrderId") End If End Sub 'SampleClientSyncProvider_CreatingSchema Private Sub SampleClientSyncProvider_SchemaCreated(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As SchemaCreatedEventArgs) Dim tableName As String = e.Table.TableName Dim util As New Utility() 'Call ALTER TABLE on the client. This must be done 'over the same connection and within the same 'transaction that Synchronization Services uses 'to create the schema on the client. If tableName = "OrderHeader" Then util.MakeSchemaChangesOnClient(e.Connection, e.Transaction, "OrderHeader") End If If tableName = "OrderDetail" Then util.MakeSchemaChangesOnClient(e.Connection, e.Transaction, "OrderDetail") End If Console.WriteLine("Schema created for " + tableName) End Sub 'SampleClientSyncProvider_SchemaCreated End Class 'SampleClientSyncProvider 'Handle the statistics that are returned by the SyncAgent. Public Class SampleStats Public Sub DisplayStats(ByVal syncStatistics As SyncStatistics, ByVal syncType As String) Console.WriteLine(String.Empty) If syncType = "initial" Then Console.WriteLine("****** Initial Synchronization ******") ElseIf syncType = "subsequent" Then Console.WriteLine("***** Subsequent Synchronization ****") End If Console.WriteLine("Start Time: " & syncStatistics.SyncStartTime) Console.WriteLine("Total Changes Uploaded: " & syncStatistics.TotalChangesUploaded) Console.WriteLine("Total Changes Downloaded: " & syncStatistics.TotalChangesDownloaded) Console.WriteLine("Complete Time: " & syncStatistics.SyncCompleteTime) Console.WriteLine(String.Empty) End Sub 'DisplayStats End Class 'SampleStats