This section of the documentation includes articles that help you design powerful, flexible applications with the use of dotConnect for DB2 advanced features. It explains how to best use the components and technologies that make up dotConnect for DB2.

• General Concepts in Database Application Development
  

  There are many database application development approaches, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. This article describes some of the database application design patterns applicable with dotConnect for DB2 and lists their tradeoffs to help you decide which one best suits your development needs.

• DB2DataTable Advanced Features
  

  The DB2DataTable component is one of the most effective tools in the dotConnect for DB2 arsenal. It combines connection to server, command object and data storage in a single component with really comprehensive capabilities. In addition, it can accomplish data access tasks in both connected and disconnected models. This article explains how you can use some of the DB2DataTable features.

• Using Parameters

  dotConnect for DB2 enhances SQL handling capabilities by using parameters in SQL queries. With a few simple techniques, you can make the execution of queries or stored procedures much more flexible and efficient. This article covers the essential concepts you need to learn with when working with parameters in dotConnect for DB2, including parameters of synchronization and some important aspects related to usage of stored procedures.

• Working with DataSets

  dotConnect for DB2 leverages managing DataSets in your applications with such tools as DataSet Wizard and DataSet Manager. The DataSet Wizard allows you to create and manage typed provider-specific datasets. DataSet Manager displays the data sources in your project represented by the DB2DataSet and DB2DataTable classes and allows you to create a user interface with data-bound controls by dragging items from the window onto forms in the project.

• Working with Data

  This section explains how to perform batch operations in dotConnect for DB2 to efficiently handle large volumes of data.

• WinForms-Specific Features

  Describes the dotConnect for DB2 features, specific to WinForms applications.

• ASP.NET-Specific Features

  Describes the dotConnect for DB2 features, specific to ASP.NET applications.

• Working with Command Editor

  This article outlines how to use the Command Editor to configure SQL commands for various data access components, such as DB2DataTable, DB2DataAdapter, or DB2DataSource.

• Retrieving Metadata

  dotConnect for DB2 has a useful feature - the GetSchema method. It allows you to retrieve server schema information without the need to write queries or parse their output manually. This method provides all the necessary details in a single, easy-to-process format.

• Asynchronous Query Execution

  dotConnect for DB2 supports asynchronous execution of time-consuming operations in database applications, such as opening connections, transferring large volumes of data, and similar tasks.

• Enterprise Library Data Access Block

  dotConnect for DB2 can be used in conjunction with Microsoft Enterprise Library Data Access Application Block. This article describes what is Enterprise Library, what part of it can be substituted with dotConnect for DB2, and how to use the bundle in your applications.

• SQL Server Integration Services

  This section describes the SQL Server Integration Services support in dotConnect for DB2.

• Sync Framework Tutorial

  This tutorial outlines how to use dotConnect for DB2 to synchronize DB2 databases with Microsoft Sync Framework.