LINQ to DataSet

ADO.NET programming model is the ability to explicitly cache data in a disconnected and backend agnostic manner using the DataSet. A DataSet represents a set of tables and relationships, along with the appropriate metadata to describe the structure and constraints of the data contained in it. ADO.NET includes various classes that make it easy to load data from a database into a DataSet, and push changes made within a DataSet back into the database.

One interesting aspect of DataSet is that it allows applications to bring a subset of the information contained in a database into the application space and then manipulate it in-memory while retaining its relational shape. This enables many scenarios that require flexibility in how data is represented and handled. In particular, generic reporting, analysis, and intelligence applications support this method of manipulation.

In order to query the data within a DataSet, the DataSet API includes methods, such as DataTable.Select(), for searching for data in certain, somewhat predefined ways. However, there hasn't been a general mechanism available for rich query over DataSet objects that provided the typical expressiveness required in many data-centric applications.

LINQ provides a unique opportunity to introduce rich query capabilities on top of DataSet and to do it in a way that integrates with the environment.

• Printer Friendly
• Email to a friend
• Add to my Favourites
• Download PDF version
• Report Bad Submissions
• Submit Feedback