To create a SqlDataReader, you must call the ExecuteReader method of the SqlCommand object, instead of directly using a constructor.

While the SqlDataReader is being used, the associated SqlConnection is busy serving the SqlDataReader, and no other operations can be performed on the SqlConnection other than closing it. This is the case until the Close method of the SqlDataReader is called. For example, you cannot retrieve output parameters until after you call Close.

Changes made to a result set by another process or thread while data is being read may be visible to the user of the SqlDataReader. However, the precise behavior is timing dependent.

IsClosed and RecordsAffected are the only properties that you can call after the SqlDataReader is closed. Although the RecordsAffected property may be accessed while the SqlDataReader exists, always call Close before returning the value of RecordsAffected to guarantee an accurate return value.

Note
For optimal performance, SqlDataReader avoids creating unnecessary objects or making unnecessary copies of data. Therefore, multiple calls to methods such as GetValue return a reference to the same object. Use caution if you are modifying the underlying value of the objects returned by methods such as GetValue.

The following example creates a SqlConnection, a SqlCommand, and a SqlDataReader. The example reads through the data, writing it out to the console window. The code then closes the SqlDataReader. The SqlConnection is closed automatically at the end of the using code block.

Private Sub ReadOrderData(ByVal connectionString As String)
    Dim queryString As String = _
        "SELECT OrderID, CustomerID FROM dbo.Orders;"

    Using connection As New SqlConnection(connectionString)
        Dim command As New SqlCommand(queryString, connection)
        connection.Open()

        Dim reader As SqlDataReader = command.ExecuteReader()

        ' Call Read before accessing data.
        While reader.Read()
            Console.WriteLine(String.Format("{0, {1", _
                reader(0), reader(1)))
        End While

        ' Call Close when done reading.
        reader.Close()
    End Using
End Sub

private static void ReadOrderData(string connectionString)
{
    string queryString =
        "SELECT OrderID, CustomerID FROM dbo.Orders;";

    using (SqlConnection connection =
               new SqlConnection(connectionString))
    {
        SqlCommand command =
            new SqlCommand(queryString, connection);
        connection.Open();

        SqlDataReader reader = command.ExecuteReader();

        // Call Read before accessing data.
        while (reader.Read())
        {
            Console.WriteLine(String.Format("{0, {1",
                reader[0], reader[1]));
        

        // Call Close when done reading.
        reader.Close();
    

Windows 98, Windows 2000 SP4, Windows CE, Windows Millennium Edition, Windows Mobile for Pocket PC, Windows Mobile for Smartphone, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP Media Center Edition, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, Windows XP SP2, Windows XP Starter Edition

The .NET Framework does not support all versions of every platform. For a list of the supported versions, see System Requirements.

.NET Framework

.NET Compact Framework