This section of the documentation contains topics that help you design powerful, flexible applications with use of dotConnect for MySQL advanced features. The section describes how to employ best the components and technologies that constitute dotConnect for MySQL.

• General Concepts in Database Application Development
  

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

• MySqlDataTable Advanced Features
  

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

• Using Parameters

  dotConnect for MySQL enhances SQL handling capabilities with usage of parameters in SQL queries. You can make execution of a query or stored procedure very flexible using several simple techniques. This article describes some basics you must be acquainted with when working with parameters in dotConnect for MySQL, as well as parameters synchronization and some nuances related to usage of stored procedures.

• MySQL Specific Features

  dotConnect for MySQL has extra components designed to simplify some tasks and support MySQL specific technologies.

• Working with DataSets

  dotConnect for MySQL 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. The DataSet Manager displays the data sources in your project represented by MySqlDataSet and MySqlDataTable classes and allows you to create a user interface with data-bound controls by dragging items from the window onto forms in the project.

• WinForms-Specific Features

  Describes dotConnect for MySQL features, specific for WinForms applications.

• ASP.NET-Specific Features

  Describes dotConnect for MySQL features, specific for ASP.NET applications.

• Working with Command Editor

  This topic describes how to use command editor for setting SQL commands to the different data access components, like MySqlDataTable, MySqlDataAdapter, or MySqlDataSource.

• Retrieving Metadata

  dotConnect for MySQL has useful feature - GetSchema method. It allows you to read server schema information without writing queries and parsing the output. All information you may want to obtain is brought to you by single function in easy-to-process format.

• Asynchronous Query Execution

  dotConnect for MySQL supports asynchronous execution of methods that take most of time in database applications. These are opening a connection, transferring large blocks of data, and other operations alike.

• Enterprise Library Data Access Block

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

• SQL Server Integration Services

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

• Sync Framework Tutorial

  This tutorial describes how to use dotConnect for MySQL to synchronize MySQL databases with Microsoft Sync Framework.

• Windows Workflow Foundation Support

  This section describes dotConnect for MySQL integration with Windows Workflow Foundation.