Linqpad Updated Today

LINQPad: The Ultimate .NET Scratchpad and Interactive Query Tool 1. Executive Summary LINQPad is a lightweight, powerful, and indispensable utility for .NET developers. Created by Joseph Albahari (co-author of C# 10 in a Nutshell ), it serves as an interactive code execution environment, a SQL query tool, and a rapid prototyping platform. While initially designed to test Language Integrated Query (LINQ) queries against databases, it has evolved into a full-featured C#/F#/VB.NET scratchpad that can replace immediate windows, debug sessions, and even parts of unit testing for exploratory development. Key takeaway: LINQPad bridges the gap between database querying (like SQL Server Management Studio) and code execution (like C# REPL), offering a unified environment for data access, algorithm testing, and API exploration.

2. Core Functionality & Features 2.1 Code Execution as a Scripting Environment

Languages: C# (all versions, including latest), F#, VB.NET, and SQL. Execution Models:

Script mode: Run code blocks instantly (similar to Python’s IDLE). Expression mode: Evaluate single expressions and see immediate results. Program mode: Full Main() method style execution. linqpad

Dump() method: LINQPad’s signature feature. Instead of Console.WriteLine() , calling .Dump() on any object renders it as formatted HTML (tables for collections, expandable trees for complex objects, syntax highlighting for strings).

2.2 LINQ & SQL Integration

Direct LINQ to SQL/EF Core: Connect to SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, SQLite. Visual LINQ Query Building: Drag-and-drop tables to generate LINQ queries. SQL Translation: Write LINQ and see the generated SQL. Write SQL and see results in a grid. Schema Explorer: Browse database schema, preview data, run ad-hoc queries. LINQPad: The Ultimate

2.3 Advanced .NET Features

NuGet Integration: Add any NuGet package directly within the editor. .NET Framework & .NET Core/5+: Switch between runtimes. Rich Output: Display charts, HTML, D3.js visualizations, images, and raw text. Asynchronous Support: Run async / await code without needing a Main method.

2.4 Utility Features

Snippet Library: Save and organize queries/scripts (free version: local only; paid: sync to cloud). Script Parameters: Accept user input via Util.ReadLine() or command-line arguments. Paste as LINQ: Convert SQL or JSON into C# objects or LINQ queries. Gist Integration: Share scripts via GitHub Gists.

3. LINQPad Editions | Edition | Price | Key Limitations | |---------|-------|------------------| | Free | $0 | No autocomplete; limited to 200 lines of output; no NuGet; no database drivers; no rich visualization (charts). | | PRO (Standard) | ~$95 (perpetual license) | Adds: Autocomplete, NuGet, database drivers (any ADO.NET), unlimited output, syntax highlighting, debugger, variable watch. | | AUTOS (Subscription) | ~$15/month | Adds: Automatic updates, cloud snippet sync, priority support. |