How do I set up a connection string for a MySQL database in a C# project without using dialog boxes?

Question

NOTE: Apparently, the reason the MySQL connector installation doesn\'t show up automatically in the Dialog Boxes for adding a data source is because the

Answer 1

There is no support for third-party extensions in Visual C# 2008 Express Edition SP1.

This is mentioned in this blog post by Dan Fernandez.

More information about the difference between Express and Professional editions is available here in the Visual Studio 2008 Product Comparison article.

Answer 2

Use the app.config (or web.config) file to add a entry. Be sure the specify the provider= attribute correctly with the MySQL provider.