How can i test my TSQL syntax?

Quick question: How do I get some kind of database to use to test my SQL syntax and create basic data.

I have Sqlite Code which I'll soon put on a server. I have SQL Server 2008 installed with visual studio 2010. I tried connecting to 开发者_StackOverflowthe database and had no luck.

I also tried using an .mdf file instead thinking it's a file and I won't have connectivity issues. Wrong, I still couldn't connect and I used this site to help me (i'm aware its 2005)

In that case I used:

var conn = new SqlConnection(@"Server=.\SQLExpress;AttachDbFilename=C:\dev\src\test\SQL_DB_VS_Test\test.mdf;Database=dbo;Trusted_Connection=Yes;");

exception

Unable to open the physical file "C:\dev\src\test\SQL_DB_VS_Test\test.mdf". 
Operating system error 5: "5(Access is denied.)".
Cannot attach the file 'C:\dev\src\test\SQL_DB_VS_Test\test.mdf' as database 'dbo'.

With trusted = no I get Login failed for user ''. (What user am I suppose to set?). I created the .mdf with Visual Studio somehow.

What if you try this connection string:

var conn = new SqlConnection(@"Server=.\SQLExpress;
        AttachDbFilename=C:\dev\src\test\SQL_DB_VS_Test\test.mdf;
        Database=test;Integrated Security=SSPI;");

I don't think it's a good idea to call your database "dbo" (that's a SQL Server keyword - I wouldn't use it for my own purposes!), and also I believe you need to use Integrated Security=SSPI; to define Windows authentication - Trusted_Connection is not used for SQL Server connection strings, AFAIK.

Have you tried using SSMS to access your local instance? It's helpful for getting connected and getting everything setup. Also, I think the default install of Sql Express with VS only support trusted connections.

After creating the mdf file with visual studios right click the mdf and select properties. In it you'll see a row called Connection String. Copy/paste it into your app and it should connect. The key part is User Instance=True