LINQ
LINQ (pronounced link) is short for Language Integrated Query. LINQ is a general-purpose language that can be used to query objects in memory by using a syntax that is similar to Structured Query Language (SQL), that is, it is used to query databases. It is an enhancement of the C# language that makes it easier to interact with objects in memory using SQL-like Query Expressions or Query Operators (implemented through a series of extension methods).
Microsoft's original idea for LINQ was to bridge the gap between .NET code and data sources, such as relational databases and XML, using LINQ providers. LINQ providers form a set of building blocks that can be used to query various sources of data, using a similar set of Query Operators, without the caller needing to know the intricacies of how each data source works. The following is a list of providers and how they are used:
- LINQ to Objects: Queries applied to objects in memory, such as those defined in a list...