Using LINQ with databases other than SQL Server Express 2005

Question

I'm just starting to look into using LINQ for my database (and XML, and data object!) needs, but need to decide on which database to go with. I've been reading Pro LINQ, and it says that currently, LINQ in .NET 3.5 only supports SQL Server. I have done some googling, and have found references to using LINQ with MySQL and PostgreSQL (my other two DB options), but they are refer to DLinq, which I understand to be the predecessor of LINQ to DB.

I've read interesting and informative comparisons of the three databases here and here, but am still torn. I do not have any in-depth database experience, so it's important to be able to get the software installed and configured easily, or at least be easy to figure out how to compile a list of steps to configure it. I definitely want to have transactional support as well. But most importantly -- I want to use LINQ.

I'd like to hear what everyone here is using, whether it's SQL Server because LINQ supports it natively, or the other two with some additional component for LINQ support that I haven't yet found.

Answer 1

We use devart's dotConnect provider for Linq-to-Oracle and have been very pleased. They try and make the functionality match Linq-to-SQL as close as possible, which seems to be what you're looking for.

They have providers for:

• Oracle
• MySQL
• PostgreSQL
• SQLite
• SQL Server

From a cost perspective, it's an excellent deal I'd say, just pay for developer seats, no server licensing.