The main difference between LINQ and SQL is that LINQ is a Microsoft .NET framework component, which adds native data querying capabilities to .NET languages, while SQL is a standard language to store and manage data in RDBMS.
Generally, LINQ provides the syntax in languages such as C# or VB.NET to perform operations on the data available in various data sources and formats. It also reduces the mismatch and complexity between the usual programming languages and databases. In short, LINQ is a structured query syntax built-in .NET languages. On the other hand, DBMS is a software that makes it easier to manage data. Additionally, RDBMS is a DBMS that is designed according to the relational model, and SQL is the language that helps to perform operations such as insert, update, delete, select in the RDBMS.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is LINQ
-Definition, Functionality
2. What is SQL
-Definition, Functionality
3. Relationship Between LINQ and SQL
-Outline the association
4. Difference Between LINQ and SQL
-Comparison of key differences
Key Terms
LINQ, .NET Framework, RDBMS, SQL
What is LINQ
It is often necessary to connect an application with a database such as MySQL and MSSQL. But, programmers might find it a difficult process to connect an application with the database or web services. Thus, LINQ provides a solution to this issue. It allows connecting applications with different data sources such as collections, ADO.NET Dataset, XML Docs, web services, and databases like MySQL and MSSQL.
Usually, LINQ querying is similar to SQL with operators such as select, orderby, and where. A query expression begins with the keyword “from”. The programmer has to import the namespace System.Query to access standard LINQ query operators in his program. Moreover, the programmer can write effective LINQ queries if he has knowledge in .NET based languages, SQL and other related APIs.
What is SQL
SQL is an ANSI/ISO standard database language that helps to store and manage data in RDBMS. Moreover, the programmer can write SQL queries to create database and tables, insert, update and delete data in the tables, create indexes and many other tasks.
SQL language mainly divides into three many categories; DDL, DML, DCL. Data Definition Language (DDL) commands help to change the structure of a database and related objects. CREATE, ALTER, and DROP are some DDL commands. Moreover, Data Manipulation Language (DML) commands allow manipulating the data in the tables. INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE and SELECT are some common DML commands. Finally, Data Control Language (DCL) commands define the access levels on the users who can access the data on the databases. GRANT and REVOKE are two examples of DCL commands.
Relationship Between LINQ and SQL
- LINQ is based on SQL.
Difference Between LINQ and SQL
Definition
LINQ is a Microsoft .NET framework component that adds native data querying capabilities to .NET languages. It was originally released as a major part of .net framework 3.5 in 2007. In contrast, SQL is a domain specific language used in programming and designed for managing data held in a Relational Database Management System. Thus, this explains the fundamental difference between LINQ and SQL.
Stands for
Moreover, LINQ stands for Language Integrated Query while SQL stands for Structured Query Language.
Importance
Functionally, LINQ is a component of the .NET framework to perform native data querying, whereas SQL is a Structured Query Language used to save and retrieve data from a database. Hence, this is the main difference between LINQ and SQL.
Conclusion
The main difference between LINQ and SQL is that LINQ is a Microsoft .NET framework component that adds native data querying capabilities to .NET languages, while SQL is a standard language to store and manage data in RDBMS. In brief, if a programmer is writing a C# application, he can connect the application to a database such as MSSQL by writing LINQ queries.
References:
1.“Language Integrated Query.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 3 June 2019, Available here.
2.“What Is LINQ.” What Is LINQ, Available here.
3.“SQL.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 21 May 2019, Available here.
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