Initial Database Setup

This guide walks through setting up the database for the first time.

Prerequisites

SQL Server installed and running
Connection string configured in appsettings.json
.NET SDK installed (for running migrations)

Step 1: Verify Connection String

Ensure your connection string is properly configured. See Connection String Setup.

Step 2: Apply Migrations

Run the following command in your project directory:

dotnet ef database update

This will create the database and apply all pending migrations.

Step 3: Verify Database

After migrations complete, you should see these tables:

AspNetUsers - User accounts
AspNetRoles - Roles
AspNetUserRoles - User-role mappings
AspNetUserClaims - User claims
AspNetUserLogins - External login providers
AspNetUserTokens - Authentication tokens
__EFMigrationsHistory - Migration history

Troubleshooting

Cannot connect to database: Verify SQL Server is running and check your connection string.
Access denied: The account may not have permission to create databases. Create the database manually or use an account with db_creator role.