Getting started with SqlLocalDB Want to create databases and tables

Other SQL Server Topics
1

I have a new Win11 machine. I installed SQL Server express. I used SqlLocalDB to start the default instance: Name: MSSQLLocalDB Version: 14.0.1000.169 State: Running
Now, how can I create databases, from this point? I can write C# apps to create tables, add and query data, etc. but I figure I need to have databases existing to connect to them programatically. So I would need to be able to create some databases first. If that can be done programatically before I even have an .mdf file, what would be the connection string?

Thank you,
Jon

2

You should be able to launch SQL Server Management Studio and connect to your server to create Database and DB Objects

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3

Thank you, but
I have not purchased SQL Server Management Studio.

4

When you have installed LocalDB a master database is created. You can use the master database to create a new database.

You can use this page for more information:

Create a SQL Server Database programmatically - C# | Microsoft Learn

5

I thought there was a version that came with express? If not, you can download it. I believe it's free

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@mike01. Thanks. I selected your link, but it was not express, but the full SSMS. I am not ready to lay out the $$. I had previously found a link for the free, express version, but it was old and would not install on my win11 computer
@RogierPronk. Thank you very much. I will try out that code. It looks promising.
Jon

7

@JonJacobs Management Studio (SSMS ) is $free. JUst download ver 18 or 19 . No job agent with Express though

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8

I tried to install SSMS. First the latest 20.2 and got setup failed. It said to restart computer first. I did, same result. I went with 19.3. Same result. Fatal error during installation (0x80070643) I can give info from log file if that will help. I looked up the error number and it shows Windows Update Error, which makes no sense for the context.