INTRODUCTION
the role of Parallel LINQ (PINQ), which provides a way to create LINQ queries that scale across multiple
machine cores. We wrap up by examining some new C# keywords introduced in .NET 4.5, which
integrate asynchronous method calls directly into the language.
Chapter 20: File I/O and Object Serialization
The System.IO namespace allows you to interact with a machine’s file and directory structure. Over the
course of this chapter, you will learn how to create (and destroy) a directory system programmatically.
You will also learn how to move data into and out of various streams (e.g., file based, string based, and
memory based). The latter part of this chapter will examine the object serialization services of the .NET
platform. Simply put, serialization allows you to persist the state of an object (or a set of related objects)
into a stream for later use. Deserialization (as you might expect) is the process of plucking an object from
the stream into memory for consumption by your application. After you understand the basics, you will
learn how to customize the serialization process using the ISerializable interface and a set of .NET
attributes.
Chapter 21: ADO.NET Part I: The Connected Layer
In this first of three database-centric chapters, you will take your first look at the database access API of
the .NET platform, ADO.NET. Specifically, this chapter will introduce you to the role of .NET data
providers and how to communicate with a relational database using the connected layer of ADO.NET,
which is represented by connection objects, command objects, transaction objects, and data reader
objects. Be aware that this chapter will also walk you through the creation of a custom database and the
first iteration of a custom data access library (AutoLotDAL.dll); you will use this library throughout the
remainder of this book.
Chapter 22: ADO.NET Part II: The Disconnected Layer
This chapter continues your study of database manipulation by examining the disconnected layer of
ADO.NET. Here, you will learn the role of the DataSet type and data adapter objects. You will also learn
about the many tools of Visual Studio 2010 that can greatly simplify the creation of data-driven
applications. Along the way, you will learn how to bind DataTable objects to user interface elements, as
well as how to apply LINQ queries to in-memory DataSet objects using LINQ to DataSet.
Chapter 23: ADO.NET Part III: The Entity Framework
This chapter wraps up your investigation of ADO.NET by examining the role of the Entity Framework
(EF). Essentially, EF is a way for you to author data-access code using strongly typed classes that directly
map to your business model. Here, you will come to understand the role of EF Object Services, the Entity
Client and Object Context, and the composition of an *.edmx file. While doing so, you will learn to
interact with relational databases using LINQ to Entities. You will also build the final version of your
custom data-access library (AutoLotDAL.dll), which you will use in several of the remaining chapters of
the book.
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