Database Reference
In-Depth Information
9.4 Summary
In this chapter, you have learned about the design and development of database applications
such as forms. A good database application design starts with requirement analysis. Carefully
analyzing users' needs and requirements is the key to successfully developing a database applica-
tion. Some commonly used application design guidelines have been introduced. We have also
discussed the procedure of designing a GUI. Some of commonly used GUI controls have also
been introduced.
In this chapter, Microsoft Visual Studio has been used for the quick development of forms.
Visual Studio provides many convenient tools for developing database applications; these tools
usually need only a few clicks to get the job done. By working through the hands-on activity, you
have built a form against some tables in the Class_Registration database.
In a real-life business environment, a database can be accessed by many remote users through
a network. Windows Azure provides an environment so that an application project can be devel-
oped by many application developers who are located in diferent parts of the world. Once a data-
base application is deployed to Windows Azure, it is accessible through a web browser. Application
development and deployment can greatly beneit from the cloud platform. In the next chapter, you
will learn the deployment of cloud-based database applications.
Review Questions
1. Describe the three phases used by a database application development process.
2. What are forms and reports for?
3. Explain the role of an Image control.
4. Explain the role of a Label control.
5. Explain the role of a Text Box control.
6. Explain the role of a Combo Box control.
7. Explain the role of a GridView control.
8. Explain the role of a Menu Strip control.
9. Explain the role of a Picture Box control.
10. Explain the role of a Command Button control.
11. Explain the role of a FormView control.
12. How can a form be designed to make it convenient for the user?
13. Give an example to show how to design a GUI to help users avoid making mistakes?
14. How can a GUI be designed to relect the structure of a data source?
15. Give an example where the main/subform or main/subreport structure is appropriate.
16. What are the three components provided by Visual Studio that can simplify the develop-
ment of database applications?
17. Explain how the integrated development environment (IDE) can be used in application
development.
18. What tasks can be accomplished by Microsoft.NET Framework?
19. How can application developers beneit from Forms Designer?
20. What can be done with the SQL Reporting Management portal?
