Understanding Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Hello Dev! Are you exploring ways to enhance your SQL Server experience? If yes, then you must know about the Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client. This powerful tool is designed to provide a seamless connection between your SQL Server 2012 and your application. In this article, we will take you on a journey of understanding the Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client.

Introduction: What is Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client?

The Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client is a driver that allows you to connect to SQL Server 2012 from any application that supports ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) or OLE DB (Object Linking and Embedding Database). It is a set of libraries that enables your application to use SQL Server without having to rely on any other middle-tier components.

The Native Client communicates with SQL Server using the Tabular Data Stream (TDS) protocol, which is a message-oriented protocol used to exchange data between the client and SQL Server. This protocol is highly efficient and provides high performance and scalability.

What are the benefits of using Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client?

The Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client offers several benefits that make it a preferred choice for many developers:

Now that you know what Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client is and its benefits, let’s dive into the details.

Installation and Configuration

Before you can use the Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client, you need to install it on your machine. Here are the steps to install and configure the Native Client:

Step 1: Download the Native Client

You can download the Native Client from the Microsoft Download Center. Make sure to download the appropriate version based on your system architecture (x86 or x64).

Step 2: Run the Setup Wizard

Once you have downloaded the Native Client, run the setup wizard to install it. The setup wizard will guide you through the installation process and install all the necessary components.

Step 3: Configure the Native Client

After the installation is complete, you need to configure the Native Client to connect to your SQL Server. This can be done by setting up a Data Source Name (DSN) using the ODBC Data Source Administrator.

Here’s how to set up a DSN:

1. Open the ODBC Data Source Administrator from Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Data Sources (ODBC).
2. Click on the System DSN tab and click the Add button.
3. Select SQL Server Native Client 11.0 as the driver and click Finish.
4. Enter a name for the DSN and the Server name or IP address of your SQL Server.
5. Set the Authentication method and enter the login credentials.
6. Click Test Connection to verify the connection.
7. Click OK to save the DSN.

That’s it! The Native Client is now ready to use with your application.

Using Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client

Now that you have installed and configured the Native Client, let’s see how to use it in your application.

Step 1: Connect to SQL Server

To connect to SQL Server using the Native Client, you need to provide the connection string in your application. Here’s an example of a connection string:

"Driver={SQL Server Native Client 11.0};Server=myServerAddress;Database=myDataBase;Uid=myUsername;Pwd=myPassword;"

In this connection string, you need to replace the values with your SQL Server details.

Step 2: Execute SQL Statements

Once you have connected to SQL Server, you can execute SQL statements using the Native Client. Here’s an example of executing a SELECT statement:

SELECT * FROM myTable

This will return all the rows from the myTable table.

Step 3: Handle Errors

The Native Client provides error handling mechanisms to help you identify and handle errors. You can use the SQLGetDiagRec function to get detailed information about any errors that occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SQL Server Native Client and SQL Server ODBC Driver?

The SQL Server Native Client is a driver that provides native connectivity to SQL Server from any application that supports ODBC or OLE DB. The SQL Server ODBC Driver is an ODBC driver that provides connectivity to SQL Server from applications that support ODBC.

Is Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client backward compatible?

Yes, the Native Client is backward compatible and can be used to connect to older versions of SQL Server.

What are the system requirements for Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client?

The system requirements for the Native Client are:

• Windows Server 2008 R2 or later
• Windows 7 or later
• .NET Framework 4.5 or later

Can I use Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client with Azure SQL Database?

Yes, you can use the Native Client with Azure SQL Database. You need to provide the connection string that includes the Azure SQL Database details.

How do I uninstall Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client?

To uninstall the Native Client, you need to go to Control Panel > Programs and Features and select Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client from the list of installed programs. Click Uninstall and follow the instructions to remove it from your machine.

That’s it! You now have a comprehensive understanding of the Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client. We hope this guide has been helpful in enhancing your SQL Server experience. Happy coding!