How to use a config file to connect to database set by user

Question

I have a program that will run a query, and return results in report viewer. The issue is we have 10 locations, all with their own local database. What I'd like to do is have each location use the program and utilize the App.config file to specify which database to connect to depending on which location you are. This will prevent me from having to create 10 individual programs with separate database connections. I was thinking I could have 3 values in the app.config file "Database" "login" "password" Generally speaking the databases are on the .30 address... so it would be nice to be able to have them set the config file to the database server IP...

For example:

Location: 1 DatabaseIP: 10.0.1.30 Login: sa Password: databasepassword

Is it possible to set something like this up using the app.config file?

Answer 1

You should take a look on the resource files. Originally, they are intended for localization, but they should work for you also.

Answer 2

Go to your project Properties, and set up an Application Setting --> Type (Connection String) from the drop down. This will result in a xlm config file in your output directory in which you can modify the connection string post-compile.

Answer 3

I ended up using a simple XML File to do this. I used this site to accomplish it. I first wrote the XML using the form load, then switched it to the read.