LINQ to SQL

LINQ to SQL is a component of .NET Framework version 3.5 that provides a run-time infrastructure for managing relational data as objects. 

Note

Relational data appears as a collection of two-dimensional tables (relations or flat files), where common columns relate tables to each other. To use LINQ to SQL effectively, you must have some familiarity with the underlying principles of relational databases.

In LINQ to SQL, 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 into SQL the language-integrated queries in the object model 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.

Developers using Visual Studio typically use the Object Relational Designer, which provides a user interface for implementing many of the features of LINQ to SQL. Object Relational Designer (O/R Designer)
Object Relational Designer (O/R Designer)

The documentation that is included with this release of LINQ to SQL describes the basic building blocks, processes, and techniques you need for building LINQ to SQL applications. You can also search the MSDN Library for specific issues, and you can participate in the LINQ Forum, where you can discuss more complex topics in detail with experts. Finally, the LINQ to SQL: .NET Language-Integrated Query for Relational Data white paper details LINQ to SQL technology, complete with Visual Basic and C# code examples.

In This Section

• Getting Started (LINQ to SQL)
  Provides a condensed overview of LINQ to SQL along with information about how to get started using LINQ to SQL.

• Programming Guide (LINQ to SQL)
  Provides steps for mapping, querying, updating, debugging, and similar tasks.

• Reference (LINQ to SQL)
  Provides reference information about several aspects of LINQ to SQL. Topics include SQL-CLR Type Mapping, Standard Query Operator Translation, and more.

• Samples (LINQ to SQL)
  Provides links to Visual Basic and C# samples.

Related Sections

• Language-Integrated Query (LINQ)
  Provides an overview of LINQ technologies.

• LINQ in Visual Basic
  Describes LINQ technologies for Visual Basic users.

• LINQ to ADO.NET
  Links to the ADO.NET portal.

• LINQ to SQL Walkthroughs
  Lists walkthroughs available for LINQ to SQL.

• Downloading Sample Databases (LINQ to SQL)
  Describes how to download sample databases used in the documentation.

• LinqDataSource Technology Overview
  Describes how the LinqDataSource control exposes Language-Integrated Query (LINQ) to Web developers through the ASP.NET data-source control architecture.