Programming with DB-Library

Developers can write applications for Microsoft® SQL Server by programming with DB-Library for C, the C-language version of the communication library for SQL Server, or with DB-Library for Visual Basic, the Microsoft® Visual Basic® version of the communication library for SQL Server.

DB-Library for C is an API that consists of C functions and macros that allow an application to interact with SQL Server. Included are functions that send Transact-SQL statements to SQL Server and functions that process the results of those statements. Additionally, DB-Library for C includes functions for error handling and data conversion.

DB-Library for C offers a rich set of functions you can access to:

• Open connections.
• Format queries.
• Send query batches to the server and retrieve the resulting data.
• Use scrollable cursors.
• Bulk-copy data from files or program variables to and from the server.
• Execute stored procedures or remote stored procedures.

DB-Library for Visual Basic is a set of functions and routines for building front-end applications for the Microsoft® Windows® 3.x and Windows 95 operating systems that interact with Microsoft SQL Server. DB-Library for Visual Basic is built on and is a subset of the SQL Server DB-Library for C.

The following topics present an overview of DB-Library for C and DB-Library for Visual Basic, highlighting issues to consider when using either library to develop applications for SQL Server.