Features of ADO.NET
In this article I am discussing some features of ADO.NET:
Those are Disconnected data architecture, Data cached, Data transfer format and Interaction with the database is done through data commands.
Disconnected data architecture - ADO.NET uses the disconnected data architecture. Applications connect to the database only while retrieving and updating data. After the data is retrieved, the connection with the database is closed. When the database needs to be updated, the connection is re-established. Working with applications that do not follow a disconnected architecture leads to a wastage of valuable system resources. Since the application connects to the database and keeps the connection open until it stops running ,but does not actually interact with the database except while retrieving and updating data. In a disconnected architecture, a database can cater to the needs of several applications simultaneously since the interaction is for a shorter duration.
Data cached - A dataset is the most common method of accessing data in ADO.NET since it implements a disconnected architecture. Since ADO.NET is based on a disconnected data structure, it is not possible for the application to interact with the database for processing each record. Therefore, the data is retrieved and stored in datasets. A dataset is a cached set of database records. You can work with the records stored in a dataset as you work with real data. The only difference being that the dataset is independent of data source and you remain disconnected from the data source.
ADO.NET supports scalability by working with datasets. Database operations are performed on the dataset instead of on the database. As a result, resources are saved, and the database can meet the increasing demands of users more efficiently.
Data transfer in XML format - XML is the fundamental format for data transfer in ADO.NET. Data is transferred from a database into a dataset and from the dataset to another component by using XML. You can even use an XML file as a data source and store data from it in a dataset. Using XML as the data transfer language is beneficial, as XML is an industry standard format for exchanging information between different types of applications. The knowledge of XML is not required for working with ADO.NET since data conversion from and to XML is hidden from the user. Since a dataset is stored in the XML format, you can transmit it between different types of applications that support XML and any component that can read the dataset structure can process the data.
Interaction with the database is done through data commands – A Datacommand object can be used for accessing or updating the data using either a SQL statement or a stored procedure. You can retrieve, insert, delete, or modify data from a database by executing data commands. Data commands are discussed in detail later in the lesson.
