Development Environment
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition (SQL Server Compact Edition) supports a single development environment: Microsoft Visual Studio 2005. You can create managed applications by using either Microsoft Visual Basic or Microsoft Visual C#, or you can use Microsoft Visual C++ for Devices to create native applications.
Microsoft Visual Studio 2005
Visual Studio 2005 provides a development platform for creating applications. By using Visual Basic or Visual C#, you can develop applications for devices that communicate with databases in SQL Server and SQL Server Compact Edition.
The following illustration shows the relationships among the different components.
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To build a SQL Server Compact Edition application by using Visual Studio 2005, you must install the .NET Compact Framework and Visual Studio 2005. This provides all the necessary tools for developing applications for use with SQL Server Compact Edition.
For more information, see Installing a Development Environment.
When you install Visual Studio 2005, the development environment is automatically configured for use with SQL Server Compact Edition.
You can test your application by using the desktop-based Windows Mobile .NET Emulator. This is available with both Visual Studio 2005 and the .NET Compact Framework.
Note
You cannot use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption when you run your applications through the emulator.
For information about deploying, see Deploying Applications (SQL Server Compact Edition).
Native Applications By Using Visual C++
By using the Visual C++ option in Visual Studio 2005, you can apply your knowledge of Visual C++ to develop native applications. Visual Studio 2005 includes support for Visual C++ development on platforms built using Windows Mobile.
After Installing Visual Studio 2005, you can build an application that references the correct namespaces.
See Also
Other Resources
Installing SQL Server Compact Edition