Linq For Dummies( Series - For Dummies (computer/tech) )

So you're the inquisitive type? LINQ answers your biggest query -- "Why can't I develop database and XML queries in a language I already know?" This book introduces you to LINQ and the .NET Framework technologies, so you can use LINQ to query any object, any dataset, any kind of XML, SQL Server, and more -- no questions asked.

Connect with LINQ -- understand the tasks LINQ performs, declarative programming, and how to use LINQ in the real world

Extend yourself -- examine .NET language extensions and work with extension methods, partial methods, lambda expressions, and query expressions

Choose your language -- work with LINQ using C# along with Visual Basic(R) or Visual Studio(R)

LINQ up -- LINQ to DataSet operators, SQL server operations, XML API, or Active Directory(R)

Deal with databases -- download and install the Northwind database, generate Northwind entity classes, and create the Northwind XML mapping file

Visit the companion Web site at www.dummies.com/go/linqfd for all the source code you need

Open the book and find:

How LINQ lets you create more efficient applications with less code

An overview of the LINQ namespaces

What to do with expression trees

The four LINQ providers in .NET Framework

How to use objects with LINQ

What LINQ can do for the Visual Studio developer

Techniques for getting information about your applications

The easiest ways to access data

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