The book contains a total of 7 chapters and 2 Appendix. Chapter 1 gives a brief introduction about LINQ. All examples have been worked out using C#. To try out the examples, all we need is the FREE version of the Visual Studio 2008, which is popularly known as Visual Studio Web Developer Express Edition.

The second chapter is entitled “LINQ to objects.” This chapter is only 8 pages. A brief explanation is given on how to use LINQ against arrays and collections. This chapter lacks some examples. It would have been better for the readers if it includes more examples which explain how to use LINQ against objects.

LINQ to XML is the third chapter. In order to negate the short comings in the second chapter, this chapter has very detailed explanations about how to use LINQ against XML. Apart from discussing plain old XML, the author has taken some extra time to explain how to import and export data using various data sources such as dictionaries, objects and CSV files. This chapter ends with a brief discussion on the LINQ to XML events.

Chapter four is entitled, “LINQ to SQL.” This is the longest chapter containing 65 pages. This chapter has enough information regarding how to query database using LINQ. The author has explained in detail how to query a single table using simple query as well as using a stored procedure. Also, through examples, the author has explained how to modify/delete data using LINQ. A small discussion about SQLMetal (a class generator tool for LINQ to SQL) is included in this chapter.

Chapter 5 and 6 deals with “LINQ over Dataset” and “LINQ to XSD” respectively. Chapter five explains some of the common dataset operations such as “Querying Datasets,” “Querying Typed Datasets,” how to use Intersect operator and Union operator, etc. Chapter 6 explains how we can turn an un-typed XML to typed XML. This chapter also explains how we could customize XML objects.

Chapter 7 is “Standard Query Operators.” As the title reads, this chapter explains various types of operators provided by LINQ and how these operators can be used against various data sources. The discussion has been grouped by types of operators. For example, under the heading “Aggregation Operators,” operators such as Average, Count, Min, and Max have been discussed.

Appendix A includes a small example in which the author demonstrates how to populate a dropdown control using LINQ. Another example talks about how to bind a Datagrid control. Appendix B is “LINQ with Outlook.” I never knew about this LINQ to outlook stuff. After reading this appendix, I got a better understanding of how LINQ can be put into use against Microsoft Outlook.

LINQ Quickly is a beginner’s book for anyone who wants to know what LINQ is all about. Even though this book touches all aspects of LINQ, it lacks quality examples and real time scenarios where LINQ can be put into use.