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Dmitri Nesteruk

This is a comprehensive course on a technology called Language Integrated Query (LINQ). LINQ is a core part of .NET that is responsible for helping us iterate through, filter, search, transform and manipulate collections, be it local objects (arrays, lists, etc.) or remote objects (e.g., databases).

This course covers:

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This is a comprehensive course on a technology called Language Integrated Query (LINQ). LINQ is a core part of .NET that is responsible for helping us iterate through, filter, search, transform and manipulate collections, be it local objects (arrays, lists, etc.) or remote objects (e.g., databases).

This course covers:

  • What LINQ is, how it's implemented and what interfaces it uses
  • Main LINQ operators (there are lots of them. )
  • Using LINQ to query databases (LINQ to Entities)
  • Technologies with LINQ support (e.g., LINQ to XML)
  • Parallel LINQ (PLINQ) and how to use it to parallelize your queries
  • Extra topics (e.g., LINQ tool support in Rider/ReSharper, using MoreLINQ)
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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Create and execute linq queries on data sets
  • Perform ad hoc data queries on in-memory and external data sources
  • Query databases
  • Write your own linq operators
  • Use advanced libraries and approaches for data querying

Syllabus

A look at what we'll see in this course as a whole.

Learn what LINQ is and what it's used for

An overview of the topics we are going to cover in this section.

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A discussion of LINQ operators and how they are used; we also discuss the two types of execution (immediate vs. deferred) and, in the case of deferred, discuss streaming vs. non-streaming operators.

LINQ operates on two key interfaces. One of the two interfaces is IEnumerable<T>. In this lecture we discuss this interface (as well as the related IEnumerator<T>) and look at some of their aspects. We also discuss how to implement the interface for your own class.

So... what does IEnumerable<T> look like, and how do you implement it for your own types?

LINQPad is a fantastic tool, specifically designed for learning LINQ. Best of all, it's free! Download and install it right now, we'll be using it throughout the entire course!

Static Enumerable methods that help us generate sequences.

A summary of what we've learned in this section.

An overview of what we are going to look at, and a discussion of immediate vs. deferred query operators.

A small reminder regarding the naming of sample files.

Operations for converting a sequence to something else:

  • Cast converts an IEnumerable to an IEnumerable<T>, i.e. adds strong typing
  • ToXxx methods convert an IEnumerable<T> to an array, vector or dictionary (this forces the iteration of all elements, by the way, so don't do it more than once!)
  • AsXxx methods all 'change the game' to IEnumerable<T>, IQueryable<T> or ParallelEnumerable<T>

Projection operations (also called mapping) simply takes each element and processes it, yielding something else. If that something else is a collection, you might need SelectMany() to flatten the sequence.

Filtering lets you only keep the sequence elements you need and throw away the rest.

Learn to order data and perform partial ordering. Also we learn how to reverse a string!

Putting data into groups by a specified key.

Operations on algebraic sets. Reminder: duplicate elements are ignored!

Quantifier operations are very simple:

  • All checks that every single element satisfies some predicate
  • Any checks that at least one element satisfies a predicate
  • Contains checks whether the sequence contains the specified value

Skip and Take lets us take skip or take only a part of a sequence (e.g., only the first 10 elements). The While() variants only perform the skipping/taking while the elements satisfy some condition.

Join operations are useful for associating elements from different sequences. They are also reasonably difficult to understand, so we'll take it slow.

Two things here. One, we'll see SequenceEqual, the useful LINQ operator for comparing the contents of collections. And how do you test collections for equality? What about testing collection contents while ignoring the order of elements?

Simple operations for getting a first or last element, for getting the one-and-only element in the collection (assuming there's only one) or just getting the element at the specified position.

Joining two LINQ sequences together is easy. But what about prepending values to the start of the sequence?

Aggregation operations collapse a sequence to a single value. Typical examples are the calculation of the number of elements, the sum or average of a numeric sequence.

A summary of all the LINQ operators that we've met in this section of the course.

An overview of what we are going to discuss in this section.

The magic of converting LINQ queries to SQL database queries is made possible by expression trees.

Just like IEnumerable<T>, IQueryable<T> provides a set of LINQ operators, but it's designed for querying databases and a remote sources. As a result, the operators take Expression<> instead if Func<>.

Time to put IQueryable<T> to use with LINQ by querying a database using LINQ to Entities.

Entity Framework provides additional LINQ operators that end with Async. What can they be used for?

A summary of all the things we've learned in this section.

An overview of lectures in this section.

AsParallel() turns an IEnumerable<T> into a ParallelQuery<T>

PLINQ takes cancellation tokens and throws either AggregateException or OperationCancelledException.

Do you want results as quickly as possible? Or should PLINQ cluster results together and return them in batches?

The LINQ Aggregate() function has a special PLINQ overload.

A summary of the features available in Parallel LINQ.

An overview of the things we'll encounter in this section. N.b. this section is also the place where user-requested topics will appear. If you see that something's missing, request it and I'll try to record and post a video on it!

LINQ to XML isn't specifically about applying LINQ... more about having an OOP representation of XML. But yes, you can also use LINQ if you want to.

ReSharper and Rider provide code analysis and context actions on LINQ queries. Just don't try to turn every loop into a LINQ expression - you might not enjoy the results!

What's that, you want more LINQ? Oh, alright then. MoreLINQ is a library that provides a few more LINQ-style operators.

A summary of this entire course. Thanks for watching!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers LINQ operators, which are essential for manipulating collections and querying databases in .NET applications, making it highly relevant for developers working with C#
Explores Parallel LINQ (PLINQ), enabling developers to parallelize queries and improve performance, which is crucial for handling large datasets and complex operations
Discusses LINQ to XML, providing developers with an object-oriented representation of XML and enabling them to query XML data using LINQ, which is useful for working with XML-based configurations and data formats
Requires LINQPad, a tool specifically designed for learning LINQ, which may require learners to download and install additional software to fully participate in the course
Examines expression trees, which are essential for converting LINQ queries to SQL database queries, providing a deeper understanding of how LINQ interacts with databases
Introduces MoreLINQ, a library that provides additional LINQ-style operators, which can extend the functionality of LINQ and offer more options for data manipulation

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Reviews summary

Mastering linq with c# and .net

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and practical deep dive into LINQ for C# and .NET developers. Many find the explanations clear and easy to follow, especially praising the use of LINQPad demos for hands-on practice. The course covers a wide range of LINQ operations, including querying in-memory collections and databases (LINQ to Entities), providing a strong foundation. Reviewers frequently highlight the instructor's ability to simplify complex topics. While the content is generally well-received, a few mention that some examples might be slightly outdated compared to newer .NET versions or that the pace can be fast at times, presenting a potential challenge for absolute beginners without prior C# experience.
Covers a broad spectrum of LINQ functionalities.
"Covers a wide range of LINQ operators and scenarios, including LINQ to Entities."
"I feel I have a solid understanding of LINQ basics and more advanced topics now."
"Everything I needed to know about LINQ seems to be covered here."
"The course provides a comprehensive look at querying various data sources."
Builds a strong understanding of LINQ core.
"This course gave me a really solid foundation in how LINQ works and how to use it effectively."
"Feel much more confident using LINQ in my projects after this course."
"Helped me move from just using LINQ to truly understanding its mechanics."
Hands-on examples using LINQPad are very helpful.
"The practical demos using LINQPad helped solidify my understanding of the concepts."
"Using LINQPad throughout the course was a great way to follow along and practice."
"I really liked the coding examples presented for each LINQ operator."
"The hands-on approach made the learning process much more engaging."
Instructor simplifies complex LINQ concepts.
"The instructor explains LINQ concepts very clearly, making it easy to grasp."
"Found the explanations easy to follow, even for someone somewhat new to advanced LINQ."
"The way the lecturer simplifies complex LINQ concepts is simply brilliant."
"I appreciated the clear breakdown of deferred vs immediate execution."
.NET versions or examples may not be latest.
"Some parts feel slightly dated compared to the absolute latest .NET versions."
"While the core concepts are timeless, a few examples could be updated."
"Mentioning this just for awareness, but the core LINQ principles are well covered despite minor outdated bits."
May be fast-paced for beginners; C# needed.
"Requires some prior C# knowledge; not for absolute programming beginners."
"The pace can be quite quick sometimes, especially when introducing new operators."
"Might be challenging if you don't have a solid grasp of C# fundamentals already."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Mastering LINQ with C# and .NET with these activities:
Review C# Fundamentals
Solidify your understanding of C# fundamentals to better grasp LINQ concepts. A strong foundation in C# syntax and object-oriented programming is essential for effectively using LINQ.
Show steps
  • Review C# syntax and data types.
  • Practice creating classes and methods.
  • Work through basic C# tutorials.
Read 'C# in Depth' by Jon Skeet
Gain a deeper understanding of C# language features relevant to LINQ. This book will help you understand the nuances of LINQ's implementation and usage.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on LINQ and related C# features.
  • Experiment with the code examples provided in the book.
LINQPad Exercises
Practice writing LINQ queries using LINQPad to reinforce your understanding of LINQ operators. LINQPad provides an interactive environment for experimenting with LINQ.
Show steps
  • Download and install LINQPad.
  • Work through LINQPad tutorials and examples.
  • Create your own LINQ queries to solve specific problems.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a LINQ Cheat Sheet
Compile a cheat sheet of commonly used LINQ operators and their syntax. This will serve as a quick reference guide and reinforce your understanding of LINQ.
Show steps
  • List the most important LINQ operators.
  • Provide examples of how to use each operator.
  • Organize the cheat sheet for easy reference.
Build a Data Transformation Tool
Apply your LINQ knowledge by building a tool that transforms data from one format to another. This project will solidify your understanding of LINQ operators and their practical applications.
Show steps
  • Define the input and output data formats.
  • Implement LINQ queries to transform the data.
  • Test your tool with various data sets.
Read 'CLR via C#' by Jeffrey Richter
Understand the underlying mechanisms of the .NET CLR to better understand LINQ's performance characteristics. This book will help you optimize your LINQ queries.
Show steps
  • Read the sections on the CLR and its execution model.
  • Pay attention to the chapters on memory management and performance.
Contribute to a LINQ-related Open Source Project
Contribute to an open-source project that uses LINQ to gain practical experience and learn from other developers. This will expose you to real-world LINQ applications and best practices.
Show steps
  • Find a LINQ-related open-source project on GitHub.
  • Identify an issue or feature to work on.
  • Submit a pull request with your changes.

Career center

Learners who complete Mastering LINQ with C# and .NET will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Engineer
The role of the Data Engineer involves designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines and infrastructure. Data Engineers frequently use query languages to extract, transform, and load (ETL) data. This course on Language Integrated Query provides a strong foundation for understanding how to effectively query and manipulate data, both from local collections and remote sources like databases. A data engineer will benefit from the section on querying databases using Language Integrated Query to Entities. Understanding parallel Language Integrated Query (PLINQ) is also helpful for optimizing data processing workflows and improving performance, which is useful for a Data Engineer.
Software Developer
A Software Developer designs, develops, and tests software applications. Software Developers must be able to work with collections of data and query them efficiently. Mastering Language Integrated Query (LINQ) helps build a foundation for manipulating data collections and integrating different data sources within applications using Language Integrated Query support. A software developer who wishes to build applications that query data should take this course. Knowledge of parallel Language Integrated Query can significantly increase the performance of data-intensive applications. The course covers writing custom Language Integrated Query operators, which provides flexibility when dealing with specialized data processing requirements.
Database Developer
A Database Developer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining databases. They write queries and stored procedures to manage data. This Language Integrated Query course helps build a foundation for querying databases using Language Integrated Query to Entities, which is a key skill for database developers. Understanding Language Integrated Query operators and interfaces, as taught in this course, is especially useful for optimizing database interactions and improving application performance. A database developer will appreciate that this course covers technologies with Language Integrated Query support and the use of advanced libraries for data querying. This course is especially valuable for database developers working within the .NET ecosystem.
Application Developer
An Application Developer builds and maintains software applications for computers and other devices. Application developers regularly need to work with data, both in memory and from external sources. This course on Language Integrated Query provides the skills to query, filter, and manipulate data collections. Understanding Language Integrated Query operators and how to create custom operators helps build a foundation for writing efficient and maintainable code. Understanding the use of Language Integrated Query to Entities in this course allows the application developer to seamlessly access and manipulate data from databases. Understanding parallel Language Integrated Query can also allow a developer to improve application speed.
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst examines data to draw conclusions about it. Data Analysts often rely on query languages. This Language Integrated Query course may be useful because it builds skills in querying, filtering, and transforming data, which are important parts of the work done by data analysts. The skills taught in this course can streamline the process of extracting insights from various data sources. Learning about the main Language Integrated Query operators can enable a Data Analyst to perform more complex data manipulations. Language Integrated Query to XML is also useful for data analysts to work with structured data. Understanding Language Integrated Query can help improve data analysis workflows.
Business Intelligence Analyst
A Business Intelligence Analyst analyzes data to identify trends and insights that can improve business decisions. Business Intelligence Analysts often need to extract and transform data from various sources. This Language Integrated Query course may be useful because it provides the skills to query and manipulate data, which is a valuable part of generating reports and dashboards. Learning how to query databases using Language Integrated Query to Entities, as covered in this course, allows analysts to efficiently retrieve and process data. Becoming familiar with parallel Language Integrated Query can optimize data processing tasks. The skills taught in this course can help a business intelligence analyst extract and present actionable information.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists analyze data to identify patterns and insights. Often, this involves querying and manipulating large datasets. This Language Integrated Query course may be useful because it helps build skills for querying, filtering, and transforming data using Language Integrated Query. This can make it easier to extract and prepare data for analysis and modeling. Understanding the advanced libraries and approaches for data querying covered in this course will provide a Data Scientist skills that may prove helpful. The knowledge of parallel Language Integrated Query can be valuable when processing large datasets. This course can expand a Data Scientist's toolkit for handling data.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers develop and deploy machine learning models. They're typically involved in data preprocessing and feature engineering, which often requires querying and manipulating data. This Language Integrated Query course may be useful because it provides skills in querying and transforming data. Learning how to write custom Language Integrated Query operators, as covered in this course, can be valuable for creating specialized data transformations. Understanding parallel Language Integrated Query can optimize data processing pipelines. A machine learning engineer may benefit from the knowledge gained from the course.
Quantitative Analyst
A Quantitative Analyst, often working in the finance industry, uses mathematical and statistical methods to analyze data and develop models. This Language Integrated Query course may be useful because it provides the skills to query and manipulate data sets. Quantitative analysts may benefit from knowing Language Integrated Query if they work with .NET technologies. The course sections on Language Integrated Query operators and parallel Language Integrated Query could be beneficial. The quantitative analyst typically requires an advanced degree.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst analyzes financial data, prepares reports, and provides investment recommendations. Financial analysts may occasionally work with datasets that require querying and manipulation. This Language Integrated Query course may be useful because it provides some skills in the area of data querying. The section of this course on main Language Integrated Query operators might be broadly applicable. The degree of usefulness depends on the specific responsibilities and the tools used but could improve how a financial analyst extracts and processes data.
Technical Consultant
Technical Consultants provide expert advice and guidance to clients on technology-related issues. While not directly related, a course like this may be useful if the consultant works with clients who use .NET technologies and need assistance with data querying. The consultant could use the comprehensive understanding of Language Integrated Query provided in this course to assess and optimize client's data access strategies. Knowledge of parallel Language Integrated Query could also assist in improving system performance. It would be most helpful if their duties involve .NET.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates documentation, user manuals, and guides for software and hardware. A technical writer who documents software that uses Language Integrated Query may find this course useful. Understanding the concepts and features of Language Integrated Query allows the writer to create accurate and comprehensive documentation. The writer might be able to more clearly explain operators or interfaces. This insight can enhance the quality and clarity of their work, increasing the usability of the software.
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. While not directly related, the Project Manager may find that this course may be useful if they are overseeing .NET development. The Project Manager may better understand the technical challenges involved in working with data in the .NET framework. This knowledge could aid in project planning, resource allocation, and risk management. It may also help facilitate better communication with the development team.
Quality Assurance Engineer
A Quality Assurance Engineer tests software to identify defects and ensure it meets quality standards. While not directly related, this course may be useful if they are testing software that uses Language Integrated Query in the .NET environment. Understanding Language Integrated Query can help design more effective test cases. The Quality Assurance Engineer can ensure proper data handling and query execution. This knowledge contributes to a more thorough testing process and improved software quality.
Sales Engineer
A Sales Engineer supports the sales team by providing technical expertise and product demonstrations to potential clients. This course may be useful if the sales engineer is selling .NET-based software or tools that leverage Language Integrated Query. Understanding Language Integrated Query can help better explain the technical capabilities and benefits of the product. The Sales Engineer can address technical questions from clients convincingly. Although not essential, it can enhance credibility during the sales process.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Mastering LINQ with C# and .NET.
Provides a deep dive into C# language features, including those heavily used by LINQ. It offers a comprehensive understanding of how LINQ works under the hood. It is particularly useful for understanding deferred execution and expression trees. This book is commonly used by industry professionals.
Provides a deep understanding of the Common Language Runtime (CLR), which is essential for understanding how LINQ queries are executed. It covers topics such as expression trees and deferred execution in detail. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference.

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