LINQ For Dummies

If you’ve asked yourself “Why can’t I develop database and XML queries in a language I already know?”, then Language INtegrated Query, or LINQ, is for you. LINQ For Dummies introduces you to LINQ and the .NET Framework technologies, so you can use LINQ to query any object, any data set, any kind of XML, and SQL Server—no questions asked. This plain-English guide gives you a thorough overview of LINQ, from understanding the tasks it performs to making LINQ work with both Visual Basic and Visual Studio 2005. It explains the four LINQ providers in the .NET Framework, the easiest ways to go about accessing data, and how to write more efficient applications with less code using LINQ. There’s also clear guidance on combining third-party providers with LINQ to create even more powerful apps. With this single, comprehensive guide, you’ll discover how to: Use one query language with all Microsoft languages Examine .NET language extensions and work with extension methods, partial methods, lambda expressions, and query expressions LINQ to DataSet operators, SQL server operations, XML API, or Active Directory Deal with databases — download and install the Northwind database, generate Northwind entity classes, and create the Northwind XML mapping file Create the partial class example, the partial method example, and the database modification example Use objects with LINQ Query databases in Visual Basic and C# As an added bonus, you can visit the companion Web site for LINQ examples in C# and Visual Basic. With LINQ For Dummies, you’ll link up with LINQ in no time and see how you can query almost anything! Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Introduction 1 Part I: An Overview of LINQ 7 Chapter 1: Getting to Know LINQ 9 Chapter 2: Creating Simple LINQ Queries 23 Chapter 3: Considering the .NET Language Extensions 47 Chapter 4: Working with LINQ in Visual Basic .NET 69 Chapter 5: Working with LINQ in Visual Studio 2005 91 Part II: Using Standard LINQ to Technologies 105 Chapter 6: LINQ to Object 107 Chapter 7: LINQ to DataSet 133 Chapter 8: LINQ to SQL Server 157 Chapter 9: LINQ to XML 181 Part III: Extending LINQ to New Horizons 211 Chapter 10: Using LINQ with Office 2007 213 Chapter 11: Advanced LINQ to SQL Server 233 Chapter 12: LINQ to Active Directory 253 Chapter 13: Other LINQ to Strategies 271 Part IV: The Part of Tens 299 Chapter 14: Ten Ways to Improve LINQ Development 301 Chapter 15: Ten Ways to Reduce Application Support Costs 321 Chapter 16: Ten LINQ Resources 335 Index 347