about the technology

LINQ, Language INtegrated Query, is a new extension to the Visual Basic and C# programming languages designed to simplify data queries and database interaction. It addreses O/R mapping issues by making query operations like SQL statements part of the programming language. Adding to its power, LINQ is extensible and can be used to query various data sources. It offers built-in support for querying in-memory collections like arrays or lists, XML, DataSets, and relational databases.

about the book

LINQ in Action will guide you along as you navigate this new world of lambda expressions, query operators, and expression trees. You'll also explore the new features of C# 3.0, VB.NET 9.0. The book is very practical, anchoring each new idea with running code.

You will discover all the basics needed to get a clear understanding of LINQ. Whether you want to use LINQ to query objects, XML documents, or relational databases, you will find all the information you need to get started.

But LINQ in Action does not stop at the basic code. This book also shows you how LINQ can be used for advanced processing of data. This includes coverage of LINQ's extensibility, which allows querying more data sources than those supported by default.

All code samples are built on a concrete business case. The running example, LinqBooks, is a personal book cataloging system that shows you how to create LINQ applications with Visual Studio 2008.

what's inside

• Introduction to LINQ in C# and VB.NET
• How to query objects in memory
• Manipulating XML with LINQ
• Mapping objects to relational databases
• Extending LINQ
• Common scenarios

about the reader

LINQ in Action is for developers with a working knowledge of the .NET Framework and C# or VB.NET.

about the authors

Fabrice Marguerie is a software architect and developer based in Paris, France. Fabrice is a C# MVP and has been working with LINQ from the first prototypes.

Steve Eichert is a Senior Software Engineer for Algorithmics, Inc. based in Philadelphia, PA.

Jim Wooley has been working with .Net since PDC 2000 and has been actively evangelizing LINQ since its annoucement in 2005. He leads the Atlanta VB Study Group and serves as INETA Membership Manager for the Georgia region.