How many tables exist in a database - VB.NET

A table serves as a fundamental component for storing and organizing data within a database. It follows a structured model consisting of vertical columns and horizontal rows. Each column represents a specific data attribute or field, while each row represents a unique record or entry in the table.

In a database, multiple tables are interconnected, forming a comprehensive data structure. These tables collectively hold the data required to represent various entities, relationships, and business processes. Each table within the database focuses on a specific data domain or entity, ensuring proper organization and separation of concerns.

System tables

To gain insights into the structure and composition of a database, it is often necessary to determine the number of tables present. This information can be obtained by examining the system tables of the database. System tables store metadata and information about the database itself, including its tables, columns, relationships, and other relevant details.

Select DISTINCT(name) FROM sys.Tables

By querying the system tables of your SQL Server database, you can retrieve information about the existing tables and their properties. This allows you to programmatically determine the number of tables present in the database and access additional details, such as table names, column definitions, and relationship information.

Understanding the number of tables in a database is crucial for various tasks, including database management, data analysis, and application development. It provides a foundation for working with the data and designing effective data models and queries.

Returns a row for each table object, currently only with sys.objects.type = U. System tables should not be altered directly by any user.

Full Source VB.NET
Imports System.Data Imports System.Data.SqlClient Public Class Form1 Private Sub Button1_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click Dim connetionString As String Dim connection As SqlConnection Dim command As SqlCommand Dim adapter As New SqlDataAdapter Dim ds As New DataSet Dim tables As DataTable Dim i As Integer Dim sql As String connetionString = "Data Source=ServerName;Initial Catalog=DatabaseName;User ID=UserName;Password=Password" sql = "Select DISTINCT(name) FROM sys.Tables" connection = New SqlConnection(connetionString) Try connection.Open() command = New SqlCommand(sql, connection) adapter.SelectCommand = command adapter.Fill(ds) adapter.Dispose() command.Dispose() connection.Close() For i = 0 To ds.Tables(0).Rows.Count - 1 MsgBox(ds.Tables(0).Rows(i).Item(0)) Next Catch ex As Exception MsgBox("Can not open connection ! ") End Try End Sub End Class

Conclusion

Tables form the backbone of a database, organizing data into structured entities. By examining the system tables, you can determine the number of tables within a database and gain insights into its overall structure and composition. This information is essential for effective database management and development.