ADO.NET Using Visual Basic

Current Version: 2.0

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Summary

This three-day intensive course teaches the essential elements of ADO.NET such that at the end of the course the programmer is able to utilize its tremendous database manipulation powers to build effective database applications. The course includes a major case study demonstrating the use of ADO.NET in a realistic setting. It is current to .NET 2.0, Visual Studio 2005 and SQL Server 2005.

The course opens with an overview of ADO.NET and its relation to previous Microsoft data access technologies, including ADO. It includes a discussion of ADO.NET architecture, main interfaces and classes, and programming with both the connected and disconnected models. The database for the case study is introduced.

The next two chapters cover in detail Connection and Command objects, which are essential in both connected and disconnected database access scenarios. The following chapter covers DataReaders, which provide a fast, forward-only reading capability. Programming with DataReaders bears a close resemblance to programming with the vintage recordset object.

Then the course focuses on the backbone of ADO.NET: DataSet and its related classes, such as DataAdapter, DataTable, DataRow, DataColumn, DataRelation, TableMappings and ColumnMappings. DataSet is able to handle multiple tables while remaining disconnected. It is eminently suited for building highly scalable applications for the Web.

The close relationship between ADO.NET and XML is covered in detail. There is a practical discussion of data binding including new features in .NET 2.0. Transactions and concurrency are covered. The course concludes with a hands-on treatment of additional new ADO.NET features in .NET 2.0.

Prerequisites

A basic knowledge of SQL and of programming the .NET Framework using Visual Basic. The student should also understand the fundamentals of XML. To get full benefit from the case studies in the course the student should be able to write simple Windows Forms applications. A working knowledge of SQL Server is also desirable.

Course Objectives

On completion of this course, the student should be able to

Understand the architecture and main classes of ADO.NET
Gain fluency in programming ADO.NET using Visual Basic
Gain a thorough understanding of the use of disconnected DataSets for building highly scalable applications
Acquire a working knowledge of the tight coupling of XML with ADO.NET
Learn how to use new features in ADO.NET 2.0 with Visual Studio 2005 and SQL Server 2005
Implement a realistic case study that ties together all the concepts of ADO.NET in a practical demonstration

Length

3 Days

Format

Instructor-led course, with practical computer-based exercises.

Course Outline

1. Introduction to ADO.NET
- Microsoft Data Access Technologies
- From ADO to ADO.NET
- ADO.NET Architecture
- Namespaces and Classes
- Interfaces
- DataSets and Disconnected Access
- First ADO.NET Programs
- Acme Computer Case Study
2. ADO.NET Connections
- .NET Data Providers
- IDbConnection
- Connection Classes
- Connection Strings
- Connection Pooling
- Connection Events
- Error Handling
3. ADO.NET Commands
- IDbCommand
- Command Objects
- Creating Commands
- Executing Commands
- Parameterized Queries
- Command Types
- Using Stored Procedures
- Batch Queries
4. DataReaders and Connected Access
- DataReaders
- IDataReader
- IDataRecord
- Type-Safe Accessors
- Null Columns
- ExecuteReader Options
- Multiple Result Sets
- Obtaining Schema Information
5. Data Sets and Disconnected Access
- DataSet
- DataAdapter
- Command Objects
- DataTable
- DataColumn
- DataRow
- Row States and Versions
- Accept or Reject Changes
- DataTable Events
- Updating a Database from a DataSet
- Command Builders
6. More About DataSets
- Filtering DataTables
- Multiple Table DataSets
- Schema
- Constraints
- Relations
- Navigating a DataSet
- DataMapping
- Creating a DataSet Programmatically
7. XML and ADO.NET
- Strong Coupling Between ADO.NET and XML
- Rendering XML from a DataSet
- Controlling XML Output
- Reading XML into a DataSet
- XML Schema and DataSets
- Typed DataSets
- Table Adapters
- Synchronizing DataSets and XML
- XML Serialization
8. Data Binding
- Data Binding in Windows Forms
- Simple Data Binding
- Complex Data Binding
- DataGrid Binding
- DataView
- Filtering and Sorting
- Data Binding with .NET 2.0
9. Concurrency and Transactions
- DataSets and Concurrency
- Optimistic Concurrency
- Pessimistic Concurrency
- Handling Concurrency Violations
- ADO.NET Transactions
- Database Transactions
10. New Features in ADO.NET 2.0
- Asynchronous Database Operations
- Server Enumeration
- Multiple Active Result Sets
- Bulk Copy in ADO.NET
Appendix A. Acme Computer Case Study
Appendix B. Learning Resources

Hardware and Software Requirements

The following software is required:

· Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2

· Visual Studio 2005 or Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition

· SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, a free download

A good minimal hardware profile for this course would have a Pentium 500-MHz or equivalent CPU, 256 MB of RAM, and at least 4 GB of free disk space for tools installation and courseware.

See the appropriate course Setup Guide for details.

Go to course catalogue

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