C# – Datatable vs Dataset

cdatasetdatatable

I currently use a DataTable to get results from a database which I can use in my code.

However, many example on the web show using a DataSet instead and accessing the table(s) through the collections method.

Is there any advantage, performance wise or otherwise, of using DataSets or DataTables as a storage method for SQL results?

Best Answer

It really depends on the sort of data you're bringing back. Since a DataSet is (in effect) just a collection of DataTable objects, you can return multiple distinct sets of data into a single, and therefore more manageable, object.

Performance-wise, you're more likely to get inefficiency from unoptimized queries than from the "wrong" choice of .NET construct. At least, that's been my experience.

Related Solutions

C# – LINQ query on a DataTable

You can't query against the DataTable's Rows collection, since DataRowCollection doesn't implement IEnumerable<T>. You need to use the AsEnumerable() extension for DataTable. Like so:

var results = from myRow in myDataTable.AsEnumerable()
where myRow.Field<int>("RowNo") == 1
select myRow;

And as @Keith says, you'll need to add a reference to System.Data.DataSetExtensions

AsEnumerable() returns IEnumerable<DataRow>. If you need to convert IEnumerable<DataRow> to a DataTable, use the CopyToDataTable() extension.

Below is query with Lambda Expression,

var result = myDataTable
    .AsEnumerable()
    .Where(myRow => myRow.Field<int>("RowNo") == 1);

Should I Dispose() DataSet and DataTable

Here are a couple of discussions explaining why Dispose is not necessary for a DataSet.

To Dispose or Not to Dispose ?:

The Dispose method in DataSet exists ONLY because of side effect of inheritance-- in other words, it doesn't actually do anything useful in the finalization.

Should Dispose be called on DataTable and DataSet objects? includes some explanation from an MVP:

The system.data namespace (ADONET) does not contain unmanaged resources. Therefore there is no need to dispose any of those as long as you have not added yourself something special to it.

Understanding the Dispose method and datasets? has a with comment from authority Scott Allen:

In pratice we rarely Dispose a DataSet because it offers little benefit"

So, the consensus there is that there is currently no good reason to call Dispose on a DataSet.

Best Answer

Related Solutions

C# – LINQ query on a DataTable

Should I Dispose() DataSet and DataTable

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