How to Use MS Access with .NET Core?

Microsoft Access has been one of the most popular relational database applications ever created. Several organizations, most of which are small and medium businesses, continue to use the solution even after nearly three decades. Although newer database systems, such as MySQL, SQL Server, or PostgreSQL, have become more popular, many businesses continue to use .NET applications that need to use older database solutions such as Access. Consequently, such businesses still need to integrate their legacy systems with existing database management systems. In this article, we will focus on integrating MS Access with .NET CORE applications.

What Are the Challenges of Using Microsoft Access with .NET Core?

One of the main challenges of using Microsoft Access databases with .NET Core is that it does not support Object Linking and Embedding, Database (OLDDB). OLEDB works only with .NET Framework. Developers have to use either EntityFramework or Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) to read, write, and process data stored in Microsoft Access databases. While the Entity Framework is a more comprehensive object-relational mapping framework, it can be an overkill for programing requirements with the scope restricted to reading and writing in the Access database.

The simpler approach is to use ODBC to connect with Microsoft Access. Users can connect an MS Access database with C# in .NET Core to create queries to create, read, update, and delete (CRUD) records with this approach.

How To Connect Microsoft Access and .NET Core Apps?

• Install the Access Database Engine (AccessDatabaseEngine_X64.exe) on the machine that will be used to operate the Access database.
• Use System.Data.Odbc API that supports .NET Standard 2.0 to help users move to .NET Core for connecting with MS Access.
• Create a method such that it can process the *.accdb file in the folder path and establish a connection if the file is found. The method should then be able to write the names of the tables in the console and throw an error message if it was unsuccessful.
• Alternatively, use the NuGet package in Visual Studio and use the Microsoft Access Query Design Tool. With this method, users can query Access databases directly by editing variables in C#. Non-return queries, such as create, update, and delete, can be used when no data needs to be pulled. Similarly, data return queries can be used to pull multiple rows of tables from the Access database, and safe GET methods can be used to handle null records.

Apps4Rent Can Help with MS Access and .NET Core Application Hosting

One of the most common reasons for using MS Access with .NET Core applications is for increased scalability. Businesses often need a programmatic approach to collect and process large quantities of data in MS Access databases on .NET Core applications such as simulation processes. These use cases are best supported on virtual desktops that offer scalable resources.

As a Microsoft Gold Partner in specializations such as Cloud Platform, Apps4Rent can host MS Access and .NET applications on our virtual desktops in top tier SSAE 16 datacenters in New York and New Jersey, or Azure. Call, chat, or email our application virtualization specialists available 24/7 for assistance.