1. What is ADO.NET and how does it work?

Answer:
ADO.NET is a data access technology from the .NET Framework that provides
communication between relational and non-relational systems through a common set of
components. It works by using a collection of classes to connect to a database, execute
commands, retrieve data, and manipulate the results.

Example:
Using SqlConnection, SqlCommand, and SqlDataReader to interact with SQL Server:

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using (SqlConnection connection = new
SqlConnection("your_connection_string"))
{
SqlCommand command = new SqlCommand("SELECT * FROM Employees",
connection);
connection.Open();
SqlDataReader reader = command.ExecuteReader();
while (reader.Read())
{
Console.WriteLine(reader["EmployeeName"]);
}
}

2. What are the key components of ADO.NET?

Answer:
The key components of ADO.NET are:

 Connection: Provides a connection to the database (e.g., SqlConnection).

 Command: Executes SQL queries and commands (e.g., SqlCommand).
 DataReader: Reads data in a forward-only, read-only manner (e.g., SqlDataReader).
 DataAdapter: Bridges the data source and DataSet for data retrieval and update.
 DataSet: Represents in-memory data with tables, relationships, and constraints.
 Transaction: Ensures data integrity by handling multiple operations as a single unit.

3. What is the difference between DataReader and DataSet?

Answer:

 DataReader: A forward-only, read-only stream of data from a database, ideal for fast,
efficient data retrieval.
 DataSet: An in-memory, disconnected data structure that can store multiple tables
and relationships, ideal for working with data offline or when complex operations like
sorting or filtering are needed.
Example:
Use DataReader when you need to loop through large datasets quickly without holding data
in memory. Use DataSet when you need to manipulate data, like performing CRUD
operations without constant database interaction.

4. How does connection pooling work in ADO.NET?

Answer:
Connection pooling reduces the overhead of opening and closing database connections by
reusing active connections from a pool rather than creating new ones. ADO.NET manages
connection pooling automatically, where similar connection strings allow reuse of existing
connections.

Example:

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SqlConnection connection1 = new SqlConnection("your_connection_string");
connection1.Open(); // First connection, creates a new one in the pool.
connection1.Close();

SqlConnection connection2 = new SqlConnection("your_connection_string");

connection2.Open(); // Second connection, reuses the one from the pool.

5. Explain the concept of disconnected architecture in ADO.NET.

Answer:
Disconnected architecture refers to working with data independently from the data source. A
DataSet is a perfect example, as it can hold data, work with it offline, and later update the
source when the connection is re-established.

Example:
In scenarios where the application must work without a constant database connection, you
can fill a DataSet, manipulate data, and then update the database only when required.

6. What is the use of the SqlCommand object in ADO.NET?

Answer:
SqlCommand is used to execute SQL queries, stored procedures, and commands against a
SQL Server database. It supports executing scalar queries (ExecuteScalar), non-query
commands (ExecuteNonQuery), and retrieving data via ExecuteReader.

Example:

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SqlCommand command = new SqlCommand("UPDATE Employees SET Salary = 50000
WHERE EmployeeID = 1", connection);
connection.Open();
int rowsAffected = command.ExecuteNonQuery();

7. What is a DataAdapter and how is it used in ADO.NET?

Answer:
A DataAdapter serves as a bridge between a DataSet and the database. It uses
SelectCommand, InsertCommand, UpdateCommand, and DeleteCommand to retrieve and
update data.

Example:

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SqlDataAdapter adapter = new SqlDataAdapter("SELECT * FROM Employees",
connection);
DataSet dataSet = new DataSet();
adapter.Fill(dataSet);

8. Explain the difference between ExecuteScalar, ExecuteNonQuery, and

ExecuteReader.

Answer:

 ExecuteScalar: Returns a single value, usually the first column of the first row of the
result set.
 ExecuteNonQuery: Executes a command that does not return rows, such as an
INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE.
 ExecuteReader: Returns a DataReader object for reading data row-by-row.

9. What is SqlDataReader and how is it used?

Answer:
SqlDataReader provides a way to retrieve data from a SQL Server database in a forward-
only, read-only stream.

Example:

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SqlDataReader reader = command.ExecuteReader();
while (reader.Read())
{
Console.WriteLine(reader["ColumnName"]);
}
10. What is the role of a Transaction in ADO.NET?

Answer:
A Transaction ensures that a series of operations either all succeed or all fail, maintaining
data integrity. It uses BeginTransaction(), Commit(), and Rollback() methods to control
the transaction scope.

Example:

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SqlTransaction transaction = connection.BeginTransaction();
SqlCommand command = new SqlCommand("UPDATE Employees SET Salary = 50000",
connection, transaction);
command.ExecuteNonQuery();
transaction.Commit();

11. How would you handle exceptions in ADO.NET?

Answer:
Wrap database operations in try-catch blocks and use finally to close connections,
ensuring resources are released. ADO.NET-specific exceptions can be caught using
SqlException.

Example:

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try
{
connection.Open();
command.ExecuteNonQuery();
}
catch (SqlException ex)
{
Console.WriteLine(ex.Message);
}
finally
{
connection.Close();
}

12. What is the difference between a Typed and Untyped DataSet?

Answer:

 Typed DataSet: Strongly-typed, with tables and columns represented as properties

and objects, offering compile-time checking.
 Untyped DataSet: General-purpose, not tied to a specific schema, requiring manual
access via strings for table and column names.
Example:

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// Typed DataSet example
MyDataSet.EmployeeRow row = dataSet.Employee[0];
Console.WriteLine(row.EmployeeName);

13. Explain how Parameterized Queries prevent SQL Injection.

Answer:
Parameterized queries use placeholders instead of embedding user input directly in SQL
commands, ensuring inputs are treated as data rather than executable code.

Example:

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SqlCommand command = new SqlCommand("SELECT * FROM Employees WHERE
EmployeeID = @id", connection);
command.Parameters.AddWithValue("@id", userInput);

14. How does ADO.NET handle connection resiliency?

Answer:
ADO.NET can automatically retry failed connections in scenarios like transient failures,
especially when integrated with cloud-based services like Azure SQL. However, developers
can implement custom retry logic using libraries like Polly for retry policies.

15. What are the different Isolation Levels in ADO.NET transactions?

Answer:

 ReadUncommitted: Allows dirty reads, minimal locking.

 ReadCommitted: Default level, prevents dirty reads.
 RepeatableRead: Ensures that repeated reads return the same data, locks rows.
 Serializable: Highest isolation, locks the range of rows.
 Snapshot: Provides a version-based snapshot of the data.

Example:

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transaction = connection.BeginTransaction(IsolationLevel.Serializable);

16. What are the limitations of SqlDataReader?

Answer:
SqlDataReader:

 Is forward-only, meaning you cannot go back to previously read records.

 Works in a connected architecture, requiring the connection to remain open during
reading.
 Cannot be directly used for complex operations like sorting or filtering.

17. Can you explain the ConnectionString and its key components?

Answer:
A ConnectionString provides the details necessary to establish a connection to a database,
typically including parameters like server name, database name, user ID, and password.

Example:

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string connectionString = "Server=myServer;Database=myDB;User
Id=myUser;Password=myPass;";

18. What is SqlBulkCopy in ADO.NET?

Answer:
SqlBulkCopy is used to efficiently bulk load data from a source, such as a DataTable, into a
SQL Server table.

Example:

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using (SqlBulkCopy bulkCopy = new SqlBulkCopy(connection))
{
bulkCopy.DestinationTableName = "Employees";
bulkCopy.Write in one command using ADO.NET?**
**Answer:**
You can execute multiple SQL statements by separating them with a semicolon
in a single command. However, this is not generally recommended for
security and maintainability.

**Example:**
```csharp
command.CommandText = "INSERT INTO Employees ...; UPDATE Employees ...;";
command.ExecuteNonQuery();

46. What is a DataView in ADO.NET?

Answer:
DataView provides a way to view and filter data in a DataTable. It can be used for sorting
and applying filter criteria without affecting the original DataTable.

Example:

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DataView view = new DataView(dataTable);
view.RowFilter = "Salary > 50000";

47. How do you use LINQ to SQL with ADO.NET?

Answer:
You can use LINQ to SQL to create a model of your database, allowing you to write LINQ
queries that are translated to SQL queries under the hood, improving readability and
maintainability.

Example:

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var query = from emp in db.Employees where emp.Salary > 50000 select emp;

48. What is Schema in the context of ADO.NET?

Answer:
Schema refers to the structure of the database, including tables, columns, data types, and
relationships. In ADO.NET, schemas can be represented in DataSet and DataTable objects.

49. Explain how to use ExecuteXmlReader method.

Answer:
ExecuteXmlReader executes a command and returns an XmlReader, allowing for XML data
retrieval and processing directly from the database.

Example:

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using (XmlReader xmlReader = command.ExecuteXmlReader())
{
// Process XML data
}

50. What are the benefits of using ADO.NET in .NET applications?

Answer:
Benefits include:

 Direct, high-performance data access to SQL Server and other databases.

 A rich set of classes for data manipulation and management.
 Support for disconnected data operations via DataSet.
 Easy integration with LINQ for more readable and maintainable code.

This comprehensive list should prepare you for ADO.NET interview questions, showcasing
your knowledge and experience effectively. Remember to provide real-life examples from
your work experience whenever possible to strengthen your answers. Good luck!

4o mini

You said:

after question no 18, you directly generated question no 46

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

Thanks for pointing that out! Here’s the corrected continuation from question 19 to 50 with
the missing numbers filled in:

19. Explain the use of DataTable and how it relates to ADO.NET.

Answer:
DataTable is a central object in ADO.NET representing an in-memory table of data. It can
hold multiple rows and columns and is part of the DataSet.

Example:

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DataTable table = new DataTable();
table.Columns.Add("ID", typeof(int));
table.Columns.Add("Name", typeof(string));
table.Rows.Add(1, "John Doe");

20. How can you update data in a DataSet?

Answer:
To update data in a DataSet, you can modify the data in its tables and then use a
DataAdapter to synchronize changes back to the database.

Example:
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dataSet.Tables["Employees"].Rows[0]["Salary"] = 60000;
adapter.Update(dataSet, "Employees");

21. What are Stored Procedures and how do you execute them using
ADO.NET?

Answer:
Stored procedures are precompiled SQL commands stored in the database, which can
improve performance and encapsulate business logic. You can execute them using
SqlCommand.

Example:

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SqlCommand command = new SqlCommand("sp_UpdateEmployee", connection);
command.CommandType = CommandType.StoredProcedure;
command.Parameters.AddWithValue("@EmployeeID", 1);
command.ExecuteNonQuery();

22. What are the performance considerations when using ADO.NET?

Answer:
Key performance considerations include:

 Using connection pooling to avoid the overhead of opening/closing connections.

 Employing SqlDataReader for large data retrievals to minimize memory usage.
 Using parameterized queries to enhance performance and prevent SQL injection.
 Minimizing the number of database round trips by using batch operations.

23. Explain how to implement Transactions with ADO.NET.

Answer:
To implement transactions, you begin a transaction using BeginTransaction, execute
commands, and commit or rollback based on the success of the operations.

Example:

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using (SqlTransaction transaction = connection.BeginTransaction())
{
try
{
SqlCommand command = new SqlCommand("INSERT INTO Employees ...",
connection, transaction);
command.ExecuteNonQuery();
 transaction.Commit();
}
catch
{
transaction.Rollback();
}
}

24. What is Concurrency Control in ADO.NET?

Answer:
Concurrency control manages simultaneous operations without conflicting data. ADO.NET
supports optimistic and pessimistic concurrency models, where optimistic assumes no
conflict, while pessimistic locks the data.

25. What is the DataSet.Merge method?

Answer:
DataSet.Merge merges the contents of another DataSet into the current DataSet, taking
into account schema and data changes.

Example:

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dataSet1.Merge(dataSet2);

26. How do you execute SQL commands asynchronously in ADO.NET?

Answer:
You can use the async and await keywords along with SqlCommand to execute commands
asynchronously, improving application responsiveness.

Example:

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await command.ExecuteNonQueryAsync();

27. What is the difference between SQL Server and Oracle in ADO.NET?

Answer:

 SQL Server: Uses SqlConnection, SqlCommand, and associated classes. Supports T-

SQL.
 Oracle: Uses OracleConnection, OracleCommand, and its own PL/SQL syntax.
You need to use appropriate connection strings and commands specific to each database type.

28. What are Custom Exceptions in ADO.NET?

Answer:
Custom exceptions allow you to define application-specific error handling, providing better
context and handling of errors during database operations.

Example:

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public class DatabaseConnectionException : Exception
{
public DatabaseConnectionException(string message) : base(message) { }
}

29. How can you read and write XML data using ADO.NET?

Answer:
ADO.NET supports reading and writing XML data directly through DataSet methods like
ReadXml and WriteXml.

Example:

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dataSet.WriteXml("data.xml");
dataSet.ReadXml("data.xml");

30. What are Locking Mechanisms in ADO.NET?

Answer:
Locking mechanisms control access to data during transactions, preventing conflicts. Types
include:

 Pessimistic Locking: Locks the data for the duration of a transaction.

 Optimistic Locking: Assumes no conflicts, checks before committing.

31. What is the significance of Using statement in ADO.NET?

Answer:
The using statement ensures that IDisposable resources are properly disposed of, which is
crucial for database connections, commands, and readers to prevent memory leaks.
32. How can you implement Lazy Loading in ADO.NET?

Answer:
Lazy loading loads data only when needed, reducing initial load times. Implement it by
delaying the retrieval of related data until explicitly accessed.

Example:
In a DataSet, you can load related tables only on demand rather than preloading all data.

33. What is the purpose of DataRelation in ADO.NET?

Answer:
DataRelation defines a relationship between two DataTable objects within a DataSet,
allowing navigation between related data.

Example:

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DataRelation relation = new DataRelation("FK_Employee_Department",
employeesTable.Columns["DepartmentID"],
departmentsTable.Columns["DepartmentID"]);
dataSet.Relations.Add(relation);

34. What are Event Handlers in ADO.NET?

Answer:
Event handlers are used to respond to events such as connection state changes, command
execution completion, and error handling. ADO.NET provides events for objects like
SqlConnection and SqlCommand.

35. What is the purpose of RowState in ADO.NET?

Answer:
RowState indicates the state of a row in a DataTable, allowing you to determine whether the
row is Added, Modified, Deleted, or Unchanged.

Example:

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if (dataRow.RowState == DataRowState.Modified) { /* Update logic */ }
36. How do you implement logging for ADO.NET operations?

Answer:
Implement logging by wrapping ADO.NET calls in try-catch blocks and logging exceptions
and operation details using frameworks like NLog or log4net.

37. What is the DataAdapter.Update method and how does it work?

Answer:
The DataAdapter.Update method applies the changes made in the DataSet back to the
database, based on the commands defined in the DataAdapter.

Example:

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adapter.Update(dataSet, "Employees");

38. What is the significance of CommandTimeout property in ADO.NET?

Answer:
CommandTimeout defines the time in seconds to wait for a command to execute before
terminating. It helps manage long-running operations.

Example:

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command.CommandTimeout = 60; // 1 minute timeout

39. How do you create and use custom DataSets?

Answer:
You can create custom DataSets by deriving from the DataSet class and defining custom
properties, methods, and tables.

Example:

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public class MyCustomDataSet : DataSet
{
public MyCustomDataSet()
{
// Define tables and relationships
}
}
40. What are the advantages of using ADO.NET Entity Framework?

Answer:
Entity Framework (EF) provides a higher-level abstraction over ADO.NET, offering:

 An object-relational mapping (ORM) model for better productivity.

 LINQ support for querying data in a type-safe manner.
 Change tracking and relationships management automatically.

41. Explain the FillSchema method of DataAdapter.

Answer:
FillSchema populates the schema of the DataSet with the structure of the data from the data
source, without fetching the data itself.

Example:

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adapter.FillSchema(dataSet, SchemaType.Source);

42. What is the difference between UpdateCommand and InsertCommand in

DataAdapter?

Answer:

 UpdateCommand: Used to update existing records in the database.

 InsertCommand: Used to add new records to the database.

43. How can you handle Concurrency Exceptions in ADO.NET?

Answer:
Handle concurrency exceptions by catching DbUpdateConcurrencyException during
SaveChanges and implementing retry logic or user prompts for data refresh.

44. What is SQL Injection and how can ADO.NET prevent it?

Answer:
SQL Injection is a code injection technique that exploits vulnerabilities in an application.
ADO.NET prevents it by using parameterized queries, which separate SQL code from data.

Example:
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command.Parameters.AddWithValue("@param", userInput);

45. How can you execute multiple SQL statements in one command using
ADO.NET?

Answer:
You can execute multiple SQL statements by separating them with a semicolon in a single
command. However, this is not generally recommended for security and maintainability.

Example:

csharp
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command.CommandText = "INSERT INTO Employees ...; UPDATE Employees ...;";
command.ExecuteNonQuery();

46. What is a DataView in ADO.NET?

Answer:
DataView provides a way to view and filter data in a DataTable. It can be used for sorting
and applying filter criteria without affecting the original DataTable.

Example:

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DataView view = new DataView(dataTable);
view.RowFilter = "Salary > 50000";

47. How do you use LINQ to SQL with ADO.NET?

Answer:
You can use LINQ to SQL to create a model of your database, allowing you to write LINQ
queries that are translated to SQL queries under the hood, improving readability and
maintainability.

Example:

csharp
Copy code
var query = from emp in db.Employees where emp.Salary > 50000 select emp;

48. What is Schema in the context of ADO.NET?

Answer:
Schema refers to the structure of the database, including tables, columns, data types, and
relationships. In ADO.NET, schemas can be represented in DataSet and DataTable objects.

49. Explain how to use ExecuteXmlReader method.

Answer:
ExecuteXmlReader executes a command and returns an XmlReader, allowing for XML data
retrieval and processing directly from the database.

Example:

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using (XmlReader xmlReader = command.ExecuteXmlReader())
{
// Process XML data
}

50. What are the benefits of using ADO.NET in .NET applications?

Answer:
Benefits include:

 Direct, high-performance data access to SQL Server and other databases.

 A rich set of classes for data manipulation and management.
 Support for disconnected data operations via DataSet.
 Easy integration with LINQ for more readable and maintainable code.