dotConnect for PostgreSQL Overview

dotConnect for PostgreSQL, formerly known as PostgreSQLDirect .NET, is an enhanced data provider for PostgreSQL that builds on ADO.NET technology to present a complete solution for developing PostgreSQL-based database applications. As part of the Devart database application development framework, dotConnect for PostgreSQL offers both high performance native connectivity to the PostgreSQL database and a number of innovative development tools and technologies.

dotConnect for PostgreSQL introduces new approaches for designing application architecture, boosts productivity, and leverages database application implementation.

dotConnect for PostgreSQL Toolbox

Advantages of dotConnect for PostgreSQL

Wide Coverage of PostgreSQL Features

By providing access to the most advanced database functionality, dotConnect for PostgreSQL allows developers to harness the full capabilities of the PostgreSQL server and optimize their database applications. dotConnect for PostgreSQL stands out as the set of components with the widest support of PostgreSQL functionality.

Optimized Code

The goal of dotConnect for PostgreSQL is to enable developers to write efficient and flexible database applications. The dotConnect for PostgreSQL assemblies are implemented using optimized code and advanced data access algorithms. Components undergo comprehensive performance tests and are designed to help you write thin and efficient product data access layers.

Comprehensive Support for ADO.NET Technology Features

dotConnect for PostgreSQL supports new ADO.NET features and technologies as soon as they are released. This includes base-class-based provider model, provider factories, connection string builder, metadata schemas, asynchronous commands, pooling enhancements, batch update support, provider-specific types, server enumeration, database change notification support and so on. dotConnect for PostgreSQL will continue supporting the newest standards and innovations of the .NET Framework.

Database Application Development Extensions

dotConnect for PostgreSQL has rich set of design time tools that leverage the development process greatly. Particularly, there are convenient design time component editors, wizards and managers for typed PostgreSQL-specific components, toolset for live data binding and much more. dotConnect for PostgreSQL integrates tightly with Visual Studio 2005/2008/2010, Delphi, and SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence Solutions.

Provider-Specific Technologies

dotConnect for PostgreSQL has extra components designed to simplify some tasks and support PostgreSQL-specific technologies. Particularly, PgSqlScript serves to execute series of SQL statements, PgSqlLoader serves to load external data into PostgreSQL databases, and PgSqlDump serves to backup or restore a whole database or its parts.

ADO.NET Entity Framework Support

ADO.NET Entity Framework is a conceptual approach to database application development with focus on objects instead of relational data. The flexible architecture of Entity Framework is made up of well-thought layers and modules. Entity Framework optimizes the development process with object-relational mapping, SQL-based entity query language, and LINQ.

dotConnect for PostgreSQL fully supports the Entity Framework capabilities, which allows you to base your object-oriented applications on PostgreSQL. dotConnect for PostgreSQL includes a set of demos to use as a starting point. All standard Entity Framework samples can be easily ported to dotConnect for PostgreSQL. See our Entity Framework tutorial and Entity Framework Query Samples article for a quick start with the technology.

LinqConnect

dotConnect for PostgreSQL includes support for LinqConnect technology. The technology allows you to employ object-oriented database application development with less efforts and in less time. Compared to ADO.NET Entity Framework, LinqConnect is better suited for RAD-style development, is easier to start with, and somewhat richer with server-oriented features like server-specific types. See our LinqConnect tutorial for a quick start with the technology.

Both Connected and Disconnected Models

dotConnect for PostgreSQL combines connected and disconnected data access models in single PgSqlDataTable component, which allows you to design more flexible application architecture and use full power of data binding.

Key Features

The following list describes the main features of dotConnect for PostgreSQL.

  • Direct access to PostgreSQL server
  • 100% managed code
  • High performance
  • Easy to deploy
  • Supports the latest versions of PostgreSQL server
  • All PostgreSQL data types support
  • .NET Compact Framework support
  • Entity Framework support
  • LINQ to PostgreSQL support
  • ASP.NET Provider Model support
  • Operates in both connected and disconnected models
  • Powerful PgSqlDataTable component as all-in-one table data access solution
  • Auxiliary components for SQL scripts and bulk data transfer
  • Extra data binding capabilities
  • Cross-form components cooperation
  • Ability of monitoring query execution
  • Licensed royalty-free per developer, per team, or per site
Detailed list »