Programming Microsoft® ASP.NET 3.5

In-Memory Data Container Objects

The System.Data namespace contains several collection-like objects that, combined, provide an in-memory representation of the DBMS relational programming model. The DataSet class looks like a catalog, whereas the DataTable maps to an individual table. The DataRelation class represents a relationship between tables, and the DataView creates a filtered view of a table's data. In addition, the System.Data namespace also supports constraints and a relatively simple model of indexing.

The facilities of the memory-resident database model tout a programming model in which disconnection is a key feature rather than a precise requirement. Using the DataSet model, for example, you can filter and sort the data on the client ...