LINQ To SQL Vs Entity Framework

LINQ To SQL Vs Entity Framework

LINQ To SQL
LINQ To SQL supports rapid development of applications that query only SQL Server and SQL Server Compact 3.5 databases, providing a 1:1 mapping of your existing Database schema to classes. It does not provide the flexibility to use objects that do not exactly match the tables.

Entity Framework
Entity Framework on the other hand, supports advanced modeling features and ‘loosely coupled and flexible’ mapping of objects to SQL Server. Through extended ADO.NET Data Providers, EF supports other relational databases as well, including Oracle, DB2, MySql etc. EF also allows objects to have a different structure from your database schema. 


Although LINQ To SQL (L2S) is supported by Microsoft, it is not recommended. Entity Framework (EF) is definitely the way to go if you are working on something bigger (enterprise apps), need the flexibility of a solid framework, with the support for multiple databases and much more!


Note: LINQ to Entities is part of the Entity Framework and exposes many of the same features as L2S. It has replaced L2S as the standard mechanism for using LINQ on databases.