ADO.NET Using Oracle and C#

This three-day course teaches the essential elements of ADO.NET such that at the end of the course the programmer is able to utilize its tremendous database manipulation powers to build effective database applications. The course includes a major case study demonstrating the use of ADO.NET in a realistic setting. Both Windows and Web front-end user interfaces are presented, and there are corresponding parallel tracks in the case study. The course uses Oracle as the database and includes coverage of the Oracle Data Provider for .NET (ODP.NET). The course is current to .NET 2.0, Visual Studio 2005 and Oracle 10g.

The course opens with a discussion of the basics of database applications. The database for the case study is introduced. The fundamentals of ADO.NET are presented, including a discussion of ADO.NET architecture, main interfaces and classes, and programming with the connected model using DataReaders. Command objects are covered in detail, including the use of stored procedures.

Then the course focuses on the backbone of ADO.NET: DataSet and its related classes, such as DataAdapter, DataTable, DataRow, DataColumn, DataRelation, TableMappings and ColumnMappings. DataSet is able to handle multiple tables while remaining disconnected. It is eminently suited for building highly scalable applications for the Web.

The close relationship between ADO.NET and XML is covered in detail. There is a practical discussion of data binding and its use in both Windows Forms and Web Forms (ASP.NET) applications. Students will gain a familiarity with creating a Data Access Layer, as it applies to traditional three-tier application architecture, and will learn how to use it in their code.

• A basic knowledge of SQL and of programming the .NET Framework using C#. The student should also understand the fundamentals of XML. To get full benefit from the case studies in the course, the student should be able to write simple Windows Forms and Web Forms applications. A working knowledge of Oracle is also required.

On completion of this course, the student should be able to

• Understand the architecture and main classes of ADO.NET
• Gain fluency in programming ADO.NET using C#
• Gain a thorough understanding of the use of disconnected DataSets for building highly scalable applications
• Acquire a working knowledge of the tight coupling of XML with ADO.NET
• Implement a realistic case study that ties together all the concepts of ADO.NET in a practical demonstration

3 Days

Instructor-led course, with practical computer-based exercises.

• 1. Database Application Basics
  • Data Modeling
  • Performance Considerations
  • Conceptual Design and the Data Layer
  • APIs

• 2. ADO.NET Fundamentals
  • ADO.NET Overview
  • .NET Data Providers
  • Connections
  • Error Handling
  • DataReaders
  • IDataReader
  • IDataRecord
  • Type-Safe Accessors
  • Null Columns

• 3. ADO.NET Commands
  • IDbCommand
  • Command Objects
  • Creating Commands
  • Executing Commands
  • Parameterized Queries
  • Command Types
  • Using Stored Procedures
  • Using Oracle REF CURSOR

• 4. Data Sets and Disconnected Access
  • DataSet
  • DataAdapter
  • Command Objects
  • DataTable
  • DataColumn
  • DataRow
  • Row States and Versions
  • Accept or Reject Changes
  • DataTable Events
  • Updating a Database from a DataSet
  • Command Builders
  • Filtering DataTables

• 5. XML and ADO.NET
  • Strong Coupling Between ADO.NET and XML
  • Rendering XML from a DataSet
  • Controlling XML Output
  • Reading XML into a DataSet
  • XML Schema and DataSets
  • Typed DataSets
  • Synchronizing DataSets and XML
  • XML Serialization

• 6. Data Binding
  • DataView
  • Data Binding in Windows Forms
  • Simple Data Binding
  • DataGrid Binding
  • Master Detail Binding
  • Data Binding in Web Forms

• 7. Creating and Using a Data Access Layer
  • Three-Tier Applications
  • Creating a Data Access Layer
  • Implementing the Business Logic
  • Creating the User Interface

• Appendix A. Acme Computer Case Study

• Appendix B. Learning Resources

Course exercises require Visual Studio 2005, the Oracle Data Provider for .NET (ODP.NET), and Oracle RDBMS 10g Express Edition. See the appropriate course Setup Guide for details.

A good minimal hardware profile for this course would have a Pentium 1 GHz or equivalent CPU, 512 MB of RAM, and at least 5 GB of free disk space for operating system, tools installation, and courseware.

References