SQL Export Tool - sql

I currently have some SQL code that I am running in Excel to retrieve some data from a database. However, Excel crashes every time I run it. However, I know the code does work, because a colleague was able to use SQL Oracle Developer to export the data in about 30 seconds.
I want to be able to run the SQL code and get the data for myself but I am not permitted to have SQL Oracle Developer because of security issues (I presume there is a risk I may accidentally corrupt the database).
So my question is whether there is other software/method to export the data using the SQL without have the security issue I mentioned above?
I look forward to hearing from you all.
Jim

Related

Automatically scheduling SQL query results to be exported to a csv file

I have tried to read up on this topic and I am still a bit unclear how to proceed. This seemed like a fairly basic task but it has been nowhere as simple as I had assumed. I have several SQL queries written and I want to be able to schedule them to run on a certain day each month and then automatically be exported to a .csv file in a selected folder. This will then allow them to be automatically uploaded into a BI and reporting tool that our firm uses (this part I know how to take care of).
I am fairly well versed in the writing of SQL queries, but everything beyond that I am pretty lost on. Right now I am using Microsoft SQL Management Studio 17. I thought that maybe scheduling jobs using the SQL Server Agent would be the solution, but the more I read about that and go down that path, the less I am convinced that it will allow me to export the query results into the .csv file that I need for it to be picked up. It is also important that these results are exported without headers.
Does anyone have any solutions for this? I am happy to answer any follow up questions if I am at all unclear.
You can create a job within the SQL server management studio to handle the whole thing.
http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en/transactsql/thread/7d2280cf-3b33-46f7-ba82-4131e8a841c0

Automate export from MS Excel to MS SQL Server

Is there a way to export data from a MS Excel file into a SQL Server table automatically? Maybe this is done using a script of some kind.
If it's not possible to be completely automated, perhaps there's a way to do it using minimal user effort. (For example clicking a button or link)
There is a MS Excel spreadsheet where the data keeps having to be manually exported to SQL Server.
I've done this using Excel to Access before, but not too certain on how to do it using SQL Server (MS).
*MS Office 2013 and MS SQL Server 2012.
The other answers are ok. I just want to suggest an additional alternative.
If it is just 1 specific Excel file that is frequently updated, I would consider using VBA. For example, write some VBA code in Excel that uploads changes to the database when the spreadsheet is saved (or the user presses a button).
The problem with using a scheduled job is that Excel is basically a single user application. If someone has the spreadsheet open or is doing something in it when the scheduled job runs or moves the spreadsheet to a different folder, then the job may fail.
This way you also get the updated data in your database in something close to real time instead of waiting on a job to run. This might take more time and effort to set up though than some of the other answers.
You can use SQL Server Agent to run a scheduled job that imports data from an Excel worksheet into a SQL Server table.
The import is relatively straightforward to do using Integration Services, but if you've not used either of these before you might need to do some reading up on it.
You can do the following:
You need to create an SSIS package and then create a job to run the package.
The easiest way to create the SSIS package is with "Import and Export Data" tool of SQL Server. It has a nice step by step wizard.
You set everything it asks you from the source and the destinations. Until you get here, select the "Save SSIS Package":
Then you only have to create the job to run it :)

New to SQL servers, wanting to schedule table / data moves every X hours

I have looked at a few stackoverflow forum posts but nothing fits (or atleast I dont think so) what I need help with.
I'm looking for general advise, my company has 'tasked' me to look at moving some data from tables stored in our parent companies databases into a database of our own that has all the information we need in one place.
For instance if we want information that related to one thing, we may have to pull data from several different databases. I think I can get my head around the moving of the data and create a sql query to do it, however we're currently using SQL express as our SQL db (the company is more than happy to buy/create a SQL server but as far as we can see SQL express does what we need it too (feel free to correct me)).
I need to look at scheduling the data move for every hour or few hours to keep the data 'up to date' for when reports are generated using the data.
I have looked at a few programs but the as the queries and the database is on a server 2008 r2 system some of the 'programs' don't like it as they were last updated pre 2010 etc. I have also installed SQL management suite 2012 due to SQL server agent but I cant even get that worked (Service is enabled and I have restarted the DB just still nothing within suite).
I'm not looking (however happy to take the help) for a 'Do this and that and that' type reply but more than happy to accept that amount of help but if you guys / gals can point me in the right direction.
Summary:
-Combining data already on databases from our parent company into a table / DB of our own making
-Currently using SQL Express but willing to upgrade to something else that does the job
-Schedule the data moves for every X hours (Windows scheduling?)
-automating the entire thing so don't have to manually do the moves.
Help on any of the points above would be greatly appreciated and I would 'love you long time' for the help.
JB
There are a bunch of limitations for SQL Express. One of them is that SQL Agent is not supported. SSIS like SQL Agent is not supported.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc645993.aspx
Do not fret, you can always schedule a job with Windows Scheduler.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/schedule-task#1TC=windows-7
As for moving the data, it is up to you to select a solution.
1 - Write a PowerShell application to perform the Extract, Translate, and Load (ETL).
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc281945(v=sql.105).aspx
2 - Use the SQLCMD to perform logic like calling stored procedures.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms162773.aspx
3 - Use BCP to dump and load data.
http://craftydba.com/?p=1245
http://craftydba.com/?p=1255
http://craftydba.com/?p=1584
http://craftydba.com/?p=1690
It is funny how youngsters think they need to spend a-lot of $ to create a solution for a business.
However, Microsoft does supply you with a-lot of free tools.
You just have to put them together for a solution.
PS: I remember about 10 years ago I created a custom ETL solution using VBSCRIPT. Unlike power shell, it is installed on old and new programs.
Good luck!
You can create a console application which executes that particular stored procedure which handles your logic. ( http://dotnet.dzone.com/articles/basics-stored-procedures-net )
Of course using SSIS is much easier but it's not available in SQL Server Express Edition.
I think you should have a look at Integartion Services, which is not available for Express Edition. Have a look at this article to get started with SSIS.

End user friendly sql query run inside excel

I have an Oracle 11G database and sql developer 3.0.04. I have a SQL query which collects useful data for users across a system. The query prompts for two values (using the "&" trick) and then returns a number of columns and rows reflecting their choices. For example, entering "2" at the location prompt, will use the sql query to pull revelant data for that particular location only.
I can connect to the database using Excel 2003. (ODBC Connect) I want to store an excel file on the server, that my users can access to run this query - (as sql developer wouldn't be suitable for these users, too complex)
We have Excel 2003 installed. What do I need to do to let users run the sql query from excel, which will show them the result also in excel?
Thanks!
For what it's worth...
I'd recommend just turning this query into a report in SQL Developer. There's nothing complex about that for your end-users -- they just click on the report they want to run, and it runs (output looks like a table, and they can export it if/as they choose from there). Distributing the report simply requires that you store on a share drive or email it to them (then they import it) -- it's a lot easier than it sounds, and also very convenient for distributing updates / additional reports. With reports, your users won't have to see the SQL, for example (unless they really want to), and the prompts will appear to them as little dialog boxes with plain-english messages (whatever you want them to say).
Anyway, you might find this easier to support / modify / maintain, and I think your users should be happy enough with it (unless they're really grumpy types... :-)

What are my options - sql express or?

I have a client who has a VB 6.0 application with MS Access as backend. But, now the Access is unable to take the load. So, we are now considering to shift to SqlExpress Edition. Also, we will convert VB6.0 application to c# based Winforms. My questions -
1) Can SqlserverExpress support 10 users concurrently? If not SqlExpress, then what other options are available?
2) Should I first convert VB 6.0 to C# application? Because, if I transfer data to Sqlserver, will VB 6.0 application continue to work?
thanks
Yes it can
You don't need to convert your app, but Access and Sql Express - are different database engines, so you will need to adopt your app to sql express
Note, that sql express prior to 2008 R2 can handle up to 4 Gb databases, while 2008 R2 can handle up to 10 Gb per database.
1) SQL Express allows over 32 thousand simultaneous users. The only real limit is database size, which is 10 Gigabytes.
2) You'll need to at least modify the VB 6 application to have the correct connection string before it will work with SQL server.
I am curious though why you say that Access (the JET database engine) is unable to take the load. Usually 20 or even more simultaneous users are no problem.
If product is for in house use and doesnt generate cash you can use oracle. Its free to use unless your app is for commercial use.
One question to ask is after how many users does the system slow down? And if it is slow with one user, then this might be some software design issue and not necessary the "load" on the server. There also the issue of the type of connection WAN or LAN. In fact you can read about this issue in the following article:
http://www.kallal.ca//Wan/Wans.html
The above in a nutshell explains why the Access data engine does not work well on a WAN.
Also migration of data to SQL server without determining what particular issue is causing the slowdown could very well result in a further slowdown. In other words often just up-sizing data to a server database engine will not solve performance issues and in some cases it can become worse.
In fact in many on line Access forums we often see users complain of a slowdown when moving the back end data file from Access to SQL server. So just moving to SQL server without taking advantages of SQL server features does not always guarantee a performance boost.
The other issue you want to determine here is if the VB6 program uses ADO or DAO. Either data object model is fine, but ADO would suggest LESS code will have to be modified then if the application is based on DAO.
Another issue is you not mentioned how large tables are, and the number. So say 30 to 50 highly related tables, and say a small number of rows (say 200,000) in some of the tables should run just fine with 5 to 15 users. If your user count is only about 10, and your table row counts are small as noted then performance should be ok, and if it is not, then as noted you might be able to keep the application as is and moving the data to SQL server may not yield performance gains without further code modifications. And of course SOME code will have to be modified to work with SQL server - how much will depend on the data object used, and how much code there is over all. (more recordset code = more chance of needing more code changes).
If you do decide to convert from Access to SQL Server Express, there is a migration wizard which can give you a quick start with that process. Here's the link