Difference Between DataReader and DataSet in ADO.NET

Question

ICSM Computer · Answer

DataReader and DataSet are both used to retrieve data in ADO.NET, but they serve
different purposes.
and 
Feature
DataReader (Connected)
DataSet (Disconnected)
Connection Type
Requires an open connection
Works without an active connection
Storage
Retrieves data row-by-row (forward-only)
Stores entire data in memory
Multiple Tables
No (Works on one table at a time)
Yes (Can store multiple tables)
Navigation
Forward-only, read-only
Random access, can modify data
Performance
Faster (Real-time, direct DB access)
Slower (Stores all data in memory)
Filtering and Sorting
Not supported
Supported (DataView)
Batch Updates
No
Yes (SqlDataAdapter.Update())
Best For
Read-only, fast retrieval (e.g., Reports)
In-memory data manipulation (e.g., Disconnected apps)
and 
When to Use DataReader vs.
DataSet?
Scenario
Use DataReader
Use DataSet
Large datasets (fast, read-only)
Yes
No
Need to modify data before saving
No
Yes
Need sorting/filtering in-memory
No
Yes
Need to store multiple tables
No
Yes
Requires real-time data
Yes
No
and 
Conclusion
Use DataReader when you need 
fast, read-only, forward-only access.Use DataSet when you need to 
work with data offline, modify it, or store multiple tables.

Feature	`DataReader` (Connected)	`DataSet` (Disconnected)
Connection Type	Requires an open connection	Works without an active connection
Storage	Retrieves data row-by-row (forward-only)	Stores entire data in memory
Multiple Tables	No (Works on one table at a time)	Yes (Can store multiple tables)
Navigation	Forward-only, read-only	Random access, can modify data
Performance	Faster (Real-time, direct DB access)	Slower (Stores all data in memory)
Filtering & Sorting	Not supported	Supported (`DataView`)
Batch Updates	No	Yes (`SqlDataAdapter.Update()`)
Best For	Read-only, fast retrieval (e.g., Reports)	In-memory data manipulation (e.g., Disconnected apps)

interview

Difference Between DataReader and DataSet in ADO.NET

ICSM Computer

Can you answer this question?

1 Answers

When to Use `DataReader` vs. `DataSet`?

Conclusion

Liked By

Scenario	Use `DataReader`	Use `DataSet`
Large datasets (fast, read-only)	Yes	No
Need to modify data before saving	No	Yes
Need sorting/filtering in-memory	No	Yes
Need to store multiple tables	No	Yes
Requires real-time data	Yes	No

interview

Difference Between DataReader and DataSet in ADO.NET

ICSM Computer

Can you answer this question?

1 Answers

When to Use DataReader vs. DataSet?

Conclusion

Liked By

When to Use `DataReader` vs. `DataSet`?