Database Connections
You can connect to an existing database using the Server Explorer window of the Visual Database Tools. Once you do so, the databases hierarchy will show as nodes and files in Server Explorer. Depending on the database management system of the database you are connected to, you may be able to edit the data and data structure.
Note
In Visual Studio 2012, you can connect to a SQL Server database from either SQL Server Object Explorer or the Data Connections node in Server Explorer. SQL Server Object Explorer provides a view that is like SQL Server Management Studio. To open this explorer from the menu bar, choose View, SQL Server Object Explorer. For more information, see Connected Database Development.
In This Section
How to: Connect to a Database from Server Explorer
How to: Create a SQL Server Database in Server Explorer
How to: Connect to a File-based Database
How to: Modify Database Connections
How to: Change the View of a Database's Contents
Database Connections and Database References
Reference
Add/Modify Connection Dialog Box (General)