Overview/Description
The ADO.NET Entity Framework and .NET Language-Integrated Query (LINQ) provide developers with the tools and framework elements they need to create unique, flexible data applications, while minimizing the amount of code required. This course explores the various ways you can employ the ADO.NET Entity Framework and LINQ to develop and optimize data applications. Specific topics covered include the ADO.NET Entity Framework, ADO.NET Object Services, the EntityClient Provider and Connection Strings, and the using LINQ and ADO.NET 3.5. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the Technology Specialist (TS): Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ADO.NET Application Development 70-561. Passing this exam will earn the learner credit towards the MCTS: .NET Framework 3.5, ADO.NET Applications certification.

Target Audience
All organizations or individual consultants who are building or intend to build .NET Framework 3.5 applications with ADO.NET, Visual Studio 2008 and Visual Basic 2008; corporate employees, consultants, and university or college students who are preparing for the Technology Specialist (TS): Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ADO.NET Application Development 70-561.

Prerequisites
Thorough knowledge of software-development concepts and the process of building business applications; experience building data applications with the Microsoft .NET Framework; working experience of Visual Studio 2008, Visual Basic 2008, and ADO.NET 3.5.

Expected Duration (hours)
2.5

Lesson Objectives

The ADO.NET Entity Framework and LINQ
# recognize the key features of the ADO.NET Entity Framework
# create an Entity Data Model
# update the Entity Data Model using the Update Model Wizard
# complete the code to build an object query against the Entity Data Model
# identify the code used to shape query results
# identify how code is used to ensure changed data is written back to the data store and transactions are managed
# identify the code used to customize data classes for use with an Entity Data Model
# recognize key code elements associated with the EntityClient Provider
# recognize key Connection String parameters
# generate an Entity Data Model (EDM)
# complete an object query
# perform coding task to ensure changed data is written back to the data store
# use key classes and commands associated with the EntityProvider class
# match the three ADO.NET LINQ technologies to their descriptions
# recognize how to use the language features supported by LINQ
# recognize the code used to perform different LINQ to DataSet queries
# recognize how to create a LINQ to SQL query
# recognize the steps for creating and executing a LINQ to Entities query
# write a LINQ to DataSet query
# write a LINQ to SQL query
# write a LINQ to Entities query