The DataSet is an in-memory relational representation of data that is independent of any data source. However, the DataSet can be used in conjunction with existing data in a data source when used with a .NET Framework data provider. A .NET Framework data provider uses a DataAdapter to fill the DataSet with data and/or schema information, as well as to resolve changes to the data at the data source.

Information about loading a DataSet and resolving changes back to the data source can be found in the section Using .NET Framework Data Providers to Access Data, in the following topics:

• Populating a DataSet from a DataAdapter. Describes how to load a DataSet with data from a data source.
• Updating the Database with a DataAdapter and the DataSet. Describes how to resolve changes to the data in a DataSet back to the data source.
• Adding Existing Constraints to a DataSet. Describes how to populate a DataSet with primary key information from a data source.
• Using Parameters with a DataAdapter and Input and Output Parameters, and Return Values. Describe how to associate columns from tables in a DataSet to input and output parameters from commands executed at a data source.

The DataSet can also read and write existing XML data. For more information, see XML and the DataSet.

See Also

Creating and Using DataSets