The Mailowl Scrolls

I think LINQ is an amazing and mind altering enhancement coming out with the .NET Framework 3.5. It provides the ability to really manipulate objects; filtering them, sorting and mashing them up together to make new objects. I’m particularly interested in how you can get LINQ to access different datasources like SQL and XML and I want to know how you can extend this to retrieve data from other databases like Oracle and DB2 (which are the primary databases we use at BB&D) and other sources like services.

The problem is, is that there’s just so much to play with; a single developer doesn’t have the time to play with it all. So I’ve setup a LINQ Study Group and rented out a classroom from one of SA Developer .NET’s sponsors IT Intellect and I’d like to invite everyone to come and play with LINQ with me. There’s no formal presentation or talk but I’ll be setting up some PCs with the Visual Studio Orcas beta (I’m still waiting for the latest beta to arrive by sneakernet) for people to work on and if you have laptop, I’ll be happy to give you the Orcas VPC.

When: 28th July 2007 12:00 – 15:00
Venue: IT Intellect, Bryanston (directions)
Objective: Learn about LINQ by playing with the technology with other enthusiasts and share your experiences and discoveries. There is no presentation or talk but we have setup half a dozen PCs with the Visual Studio Orcas Beta and invite everyone to come and learn along with us.
RSVP: Please RSVP on the SA Developer .NET website (on this thread) so I can get an idea of the number of people to setup for and, of course, catering. PCs will be available on a “first come, first served” basis and you are welcome to bring your laptop.