Simple Data Access Layer

Question

Can anyone suggest a simple Data Access Layer (C# .NET)? Not keen on using the Microsoft Application Data Access block, seems very bloated and overkill. Also don\'t want to use

Answer 1

Actually the simplest SQLHelper file that I've found has been the early 2000 era MS Data Access Application Block. After unpackaging and opening the solution you find that you have just one file called SQLHelper.cs which basically just wraps alot of the raw ADO that you would be writing with a home grown DAL. It is best practice code (at the time yes) and easily converts to .net 2.0 framework and above. After you place SQLHelper into your solution, then you can easily add in your own data access components to do your basic CRUD work, but you won't have to worry about the low level coding of opening a connection or a dataset or whatever.

I know what you're thinking, why suggest this because you said you didn't like the blocks. Well this one is the only i've found that doesn't use a provider factory and all of that extra code that you're saying is overkill. This block is only for SQL Server so do keep that in mind. But overall, you might find that this is a good starting point in your project.

Here is a download link to the block itself.

Good luck, and hope this helps.