Description
LINQ to SQL is a component of .NET Framework that provides a run-time infrastructure for managing relational data as objects. In LINQ to SQL, you can access SQL databases just like accessing an in-memory collection by using the LINQ technology.
- The data model of a relational database is mapped to an object model expressed in the programming language of the developer.
- When the application runs, LINQ to SQL translates the LINQ queries into SQL the and sends them to the database for execution.
- When the database returns the results, LINQ to SQL translates them back to objects that you can work with in your own programming language.
What is LINQ
LINQ (Language Integrated Query) is a structured query syntax in .NET used to save and retrieve data from different sources.
- It provides a single querying interface for different types of data sources such as Object Collection, SQL server database, XML, web service etc.
- LINQ gives us strongly typed compile time checks on queries that can execute against in memory data, relational data, and XML data.
LINQ to SQL Capabilities
LINQ to SQL has all the capabilities you would expect as a SQL developer. You can query, insert, update, and delete data from database tables using LINQ to SQL.
Limitations
There are few limitations when you use LINQ to SQL;
- It can only be used with SQL Server as backend.
- It requires at least .NET 3.5
- Tables are mapped strictly on a 1:1 basis (one table = one class)
