Microsoft SQL Server offers the database developer incredible power and flexibility, but learning to work with it is a lot like learning to play chess. The basics are easy, but mastering the product takes some effort.

This paper was presented by Rahul Desai at OzFox Lite 2006. This series does not discuss SQL Server in-depth, but delves on the basics of “Migrating Microsoft Visual FoxPro (VFP) application to a client/server platform, specifically with SQL server as the database”.

For ease of understanding, the article is divided into five parts.

Visual FoxPro conversion to support SQL server at the backend:An Overview Download here
This part discusses the data conversion and system design issues that need to be kept in mind before starting the conversion. It provides answers to pertinent questions like ‘Will your app survive conversion?’

Data Conversion and Data Access Techniques Download here
So how do you get the data in your current system over to SQL Server? Just as importantly, how do you get the data out again for use within your application? This part examines these crucial issues.

Data Access Techniques Download here
What’s the best mechanism for getting the data into SQL Server? VFP offers several options here, all with their good points and bad. Read this to know more.

Constructing and Supporting the Application Download here
So, what else is there besides knowing about data differences and getting the data into SQL? Well, lots, especially if you are taking advantage of the changeover to “address a few problems” within your existing system, read to know more.

Supporting the Application Download here
This concluding part discusses how to develop strategies for testing, installation, database maintenance and backup issues.