"I've had several classes on C#, probably about 3 of them, meaning 3 semesters, but that was a while back. I've never had any projects at any clients sites or on any projects using C#. I wonder if someone could advise me on what component to use for data access? Maybe component isn't the right word. Now, I am not a complete novice, but pretty close to it, so realize that I am also a bit rusty.
From a fellow newbie:
The bad news:
Some of what you learned earlier is obsolete and you have some learning to do.
The good news:
The 2008 version is a lot easier to use once you learn the new tools.
I'd advise you to get C# 2008 for Programmers by Deitel ( less than $40 on Amazon) and follow the Ling-to-SQL examples there.
They really work and you'll be doing CRUD windows or web forms with ease in about a week.
After doing their examples, I did some datacentric apps on my own, and now I'm fairly sure that I can do a simple file maintenance form in C# in less time than I can in VFP, using Linq-to-SQL.
Several VFP colleagues of mine have used that book with equally good results.
Deitel directs the examples in the text to the freebie versions of C# and SQL, so the $40 is really all you'll have to spend!
I'm sure I'll be using other data access methods as I progress with C#, but at least now I'm over the data handling hurdle and I can concentrate on exploiting the many other rich features of the .NET Framework.
Anyone who does not go overboard- deserves to.
Malcolm Forbes, Sr.