If you've asked yourself "Why can't I developdatabase and XML queries in a language I already know?", thenLanguage INtegrated Query, or LINQ, is for you. LINQ ForDummies introduces you to LINQ and the .NET Frameworktechnologies, so you can use LINQ to query any object, any dataset, 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 withboth Visual Basic and Visual Studio 2005. It explains the four LINQproviders in the .NET Framework, the easiest ways to go aboutaccessing data, and how to write more efficient applications withless code using LINQ. There's also clear guidance oncombining third-party providers with LINQ to create even morepowerful apps. With this single, comprehensive guide, you'lldiscover how to:
* Use one query language with all Microsoft languages
* Examine .NET language extensions and work with extensionmethods, partial methods, lambda expressions, and queryexpressions
* LINQ to DataSet operators, SQL server operations, XML API, orActive Directory
* Deal with databases -- download and install the Northwinddatabase, generate Northwind entity classes, and create theNorthwind 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 LINQexamples in C# and Visual Basic. With LINQ For Dummies,you'll link up with LINQ in no time and see how you can queryalmost anything!
Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials arenot included as part of eBook file.