LINQ to SQL provides a run-time foundation for managing relational data as objects. It is part of the.NET Framework version 3.5 and can translate language-integrated object model queries into SQL. After that, the queries are forwarded to the database to be executed.
After retrieving database results, LINQ to SQL converts them to objects once more.
The database schema of a relational database is transferred to an object model in LINQ to SQL, and the LINQ object model is turned into SQL to get the relevant data from the database. When LINQ to SQL returns the data from the database, the SQL results are converted to the LINQ objects model.
LINQ to SQL (also known as DLINQ) is an exciting component of Language Integrated Query for most ASP.NET developers since it allows them to query data in a SQL server database using standard LINQ expressions. It also allows you to update, delete, and insert data, but the sole disadvantage is that it is only compatible with SQL Server databases. However, there are numerous advantages to using LINQ to SQL over ADO.NET, like reduced complexity, fewer lines of code, and so on.
The LINQ to SQL execution mechanism is depicted in the diagram below:
Step 1: Create a new "Data Connection" with the database server in step one. Add Connection &arrar; View &arrar; Server Explorer &arrar; Data Connections
Step 2: Add LINQ To SQL class file
Step 3: Drag and drop tables from the database into the new LINQ to SQL class file.
Step 4: Add tables to the class file
Using LINQ to SQL for Querying
The criteria for performing a query with LINQ to SQL are identical to those for conducting a conventional LINQ query in that the query can be postponed or executed immediately. The following are the different aspects that play a role in executing a query with LINQ to SQL.
- ADO Provider: Report back of the query in a DataReader to the LINQ to SQL Provider, which turns it to a user object.
- LINQ to SQL Provider: Helps to convert the query to Transact SQL (T-SQL) and delivers it to the ADO Provider to be executed.
- LINQ to SQL API: LINQ to SQL Provider is tasked with executing a query on account of a program.
This should be remembered that before running a LINQ to SQL query, the DataContext class must be used to connect to the data source