Although some Database Administrators strongly believe Linq is spelled wrong and should be written as "Link" (dutch for very dangerous), as a developer I really like using Linq. The syntax is easy to understand and related to the well known T-SQL syntax.

It shouldn't cost you too much to get started using Linq.

Linqpad (some time ago already recommended by my colleague) is a nice tool to start experimenting with Linq and test your queries. It supports:

• LINQ to SQL
• LINQ to Objects
• LINQ to XML

LINQPad standard edition is free to download. Autocompletion is an optional extra.

From the same maker: These 10 myhts are also very helpful.