The main difference between LINQ to SQL and LINQ to Objects is that LINQ to SQL requires a data context object to work as the bridge between LINQ and the databases, while LINQ to Objects does not require any intermediate LINQ provider or API.
LINQ stands for Language Integrated Query, which 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. It allows connecting the application with different data sources such as collections, ADO.NET Dataset, XML Docs, web services, and databases such as MySQL and MSSQL. Moreover, there are various types of LINQ, and two of them are LINQ to SQL and LINQ to Objects.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is LINQ to SQL
– Definition, Functionality
2. What is LINQ to Objects
– Definition, Functionality
3. Difference Between LINQ to SQL and LINQ to Objects
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
DLINQ, LINQ, LINQ to SQL, LINQ to Objects, .NET Framework, Objects, SQL
What is LINQ to SQL
LINQ to SQL (DLINQ) is a component of .NET framework version 3.5. It allows managing relational data as objects. In LINQ to SQL, the data model of the relational database converts into an object model of the program written by the developer. In other words, when executing the application, the LINQ to SQL translates into SQL queries and those are sent to the database. Moreover, when the database returns results, LINQ to SQL translates them back to objects in that specific programming language. It is possible to perform operations such as insert, update and delete data.
Usually, programmers use Visual Studio Object Relational Designer. It consists of user interfaces for implementing many of the features of LINQ to SQL. Overall, LINQ to SQL helps to reduce the complexity of the program when performing transactions with a database.
What is LINQ to Objects
LINQ to Objects is a component of the .NET framework that allows using LINQ query supporting IEnumerable<T> for accessing in-memory data collections. In other words, it provides a method to use collections. Usually, a programmer writes for each loop to retrieve data from a collection. Instead, he can use LINQ to Objects easily. Therefore, LINQ to Objects helps to reduce the code complexity.
Overall, LINQ to Objects helps to improve the code readability. It provides advantages such as powerful filtering, grouping capabilities and enhanced ordering with minimal application coding. Moreover, these queries are portable to various data sources without modifications or fewer modifications.
Difference Between LINQ to SQL and LINQ to Objects
Definition
LINQ to SQL is a component of the .NET Framework of version 3.5 that allows managing relational data as objects. In contrast, LINQ to Object is a .NET framework component that offers usage of any LINQ query supporting IEnumerable<T> for accessing in-memory data collections without any need of LINQ provider (API) as in case of LINQ to SQL or LINQ to XML.
Requirement
The main difference between LINQ to SQL and LINQ to Objects is that LINQ to SQL requires a data context object that works as the bridge between LINQ and the database, whereas LINQ to Objects does not require any intermediate LINQ provider or API.
Return Type
LINQ to SQL returns data of type IQueryable<T>, whereas LINQ to Objects returns data of type IEnumerable<T>.
Method of Execution
Moreover, LINQ to SQL translates into SQL calls, and they execute on the database. On the other hand, LINQ to Objects executes in the local machine memory.
Translation
Furthermore, translation is another difference between LINQ to SQL and LINQ to Objects. LINQ to SQL is translated to SQL using Expression Trees; thus, it is possible to check them as a single unit and translate them into suitable SQL statements. On the other hand, it is not necessary to translate LINQ to Objects.
Conclusion
LINQ to SQL and LINQ to Objects are two types of LINQ. The main difference between LINQ to SQL and LINQ to Objects is that LINQ to SQL requires a Data context object to work as the bridge between LINQ and the databases, while LINQ to Objects does not require any intermediate LINQ provider or API.
References:
1.Stevestein. “LINQ to SQL.” Microsoft Docs, Available here.
2.BillWagner. “LINQ to Objects (C#).” Microsoft Docs, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1.” an example of a Program” By The original uploader was דוד שי at Hebrew Wikipedia. – Transferred from he.wikipedia to Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
Leave a Reply