Why LINQ?

Why LINQ?

• Increases productivity compared to using ADO.NET
• SQL has many vendor-specific dialects and data types.
• Integration with C# and VB. Syntax of the LINQ query would remain similar when query against different data sources, such as
• Database
• XML
• Parametrization is automatic and type-safe.
• Extensive IntelliSense support / Debugger support
• Strongly typed queries - compile-time checking for all queries.
• Not just for queries
  • It is a data iteration engine
  • Asynchronous Programming using LINQ Syntax

Current version of LINQ to SQL

• LINQ to SQL works only with SQL Server
• Does not directly support CTEs and FullText search
• Targeted for Rapid Development - 1:1 relationship between table and object

The Entity Framework

• Support more database engines than just SQL Server
• LINQ to entities is more "enterprise" targeted
• You can map a single class to multiple tables, or map multiple classes to the same table.

Other Usage

• LINQ to LDAP
• LINQ to SharePoint

References:

Why LINQ will succeed

LINQ in Action

LINQ to SQL vs LINQ to Entities, where should we spend our time?

Difference between LINQ to SQL and the Entity Framework