SQL Server Newbie - database link question

[TWillard]

I am trying to copy data from a SQL SERVER production database to a SQL SERVER development database. The datbase structures are exactly the same. However, the development already contains some data that cannot be deleted. Therefore I can not complete copy the database tables over.

I am confident enough in my sql skills that I could explicit bring it over and insert it. If I were using an Oracle database, I would create a database link. I would then execute sql statements and import my data. Are database links supported in SQL Server? If so, could someone provide some syntax on how to create and use them.

Thanks,

Tim

 

[tlbroadbent]

If the databases are on the same server you merely reference the table using the fully qualified name - dbname.dbo.tablename.

If on different servers, you can link if using SQL 7 or 2000. See Linked Server in SQL BOL for details. You can use the sp_addlinkedserver stored procedure to add linked servers. It is also documented in BOL. After linking you can reference a table with servername.dbname.dbo.tablename. Terry L. Broadbent
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