What is the difference between "LINQ to Entities", "LINQ to SQL", and "LINQ to Dataset"

linq-to-entities

entity-framework

orm

byNikita Barsukov·Nov 29, 2024

LINQ to Entities wields the power of Entity Framework to engage with diverse databases. LINQ to SQL, less cosmopolitan, commits to SQL Server, mapping .NET classes directly onto SQL tables. LINQ to DataSet is monkish, cherishing solitude, dealing only with in-memory data sans the fuss of database connections.

// Sample lambda expressions:

// My friend Entity:
var custQuery = dbContext.Customers.Where(c => c.Name.StartsWith("A")); // Fetching all the 'A' listers

// SQL speaking my language:
var custQuery = dataContext.Customers.Where(c => c.Name.StartsWith("A")); // Attention all 'A' breed

// DataSet doing its own thing:
var custQuery = dataSet.Tables["Customers"].AsEnumerable()
                .Where(c => c.Field<string>("Name").StartsWith("A")); // 'A' squad, represent!

Your choice rides upon your database persuasion, and the matter of in-play or on-pause data.

Drill down to the nitty-gritty

LINQ to Entities: the universal translator

When Entity Framework (EF) teams up with LINQ, you've got LINQ to Entities. It parleys with the data universe as objects, transcending database boundaries thanks to its chameleon nature. LINQ to Entities morphs your queries into SQL dialects that fit seamlessly with your targeted databases.

Entity Framework elegantly conceals the complexity of database schemas, providing a simplified, OOP-friendly model. It's gifted with features like lazy loading, migrations, and ability to observe object alterations.

LINQ to SQL: the SQL whisperer

LINQ to SQL, Microsoft's early bird in the ORM world, offers a no-frills approach tailored for SQL Server. Its simplicity belies its power, specifically harnessed for SQL Server. It fills the chasm between your relational database and the object-oriented paradise of .NET.

LINQ polishes TSQL for optimal performance while offering static checking, your runtime error nemesis. A standout feature of LINQ to SQL is its fluent translation of .NET code to SQL, minus the dreaded SQL syntax.

LINQ to DataSet: the memory guru

In the realm where data finds itself in-memory yet disconnected, LINQ to Dataset lights the way, moving gracefully over DataSets and DataTables, the familiar faces in "old-style" ADO.NET world. It excels in offline spaces and scenarios dealing with data passed across processes, rending efficient data manipulation sans persistent data source connections.

Overall roundup

Face-off: Use Cases and Performance

LINQ to Entities proves its mettle for intricate applications where database abstraction is handy.
LINQ to SQL distinguishes itself in speedy prototyping within a dedicated SQL Server-centric sphere.
LINQ to Dataset is the master tactician for offline data play, rendering efficient desktop and compact applications.

Alluring Querying

All LINQ types share the charms of legibility and brevity in syntax.
The compile to methods or expression trees capability of LINQ lambda expressions is a true force multiplier.
LINQ is a two-face - able to handle in-memory collections and database-driven data sets with elegance.

Over the fence: still more to explore

Entity Framework Core: the brave new world

EF Core, the successor to Entity Framework, elevates LINQ to Entities allowing for a more versatile, light, and cross-platform experience. EF Core is more democratic, supporting a wider range of databases, and providing improved performance, resulting in a hardier ORM experience.

LINQ beyond borders: not just databases

LINQ breaks boundaries to offer consistent experiences outside of databases too. This includes querying XML via LINQ to XML, and in-memory collections using LINQ to Objects, showcasing its versatility and unifying design.

Life choices: Code First vs Database First

Entity Framework accommodates two database mapping strategies. The Code First approach leans towards classes cheering 'me first!', while the Database First is database-centric, yielding directly to generate classes. LINQ to SQL is a natural ally of Database First, considering its knack for reflecting the database schema.

Future-proof your codebase

The right ride:

Each LINQ flavor corresponds to specific sources and comes with its own perks:

LINQ to Entities, as a part of the Entity Framework assembly, provides a future-ready, easy-to-scale codebase.
LINQ to SQL harmonizes with SQL Server databases, optimizing your application for the SQL environment.
LINQ to DataSet shows finesse handling disconnected scenarios, a great fit for small-scale applications.

Which LINQ should you link with?

While LINQ to SQL is a comforting reminder of .NET's past, developers are favoring LINQ to Entities (Entity Framework) for its modernity and flexibility. Understanding each LINQ flavor and where they stand in the .NET universe allows you to make informed choices for your applications.

LINQ in everyday code

LINQ hands developers the power to write SQL-style queries smack dab in the middle of C#, making data fetches a seamless experience that is both powerful and intuitive. Embrace LINQ to elevate your data management prowess.

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