How to Query MySQL with C- and Save Results to a List

A step-by-step guide to querying MySQL databases using C-, perfect for beginners looking to store results in a list efficiently.
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How to Query MySQL with C- and Save Results to a List

If you're new to C-, you may encounter a scenario where you want to query a MySQL database and save the results into a list. If you’re coming from a Python background, the transition may seem a bit daunting, especially if you face errors related to data types or object conversions. This guide will guide you through the process and clarify common issues related to this task.

The Problem

While trying to query your MySQL database using C-, you might receive an error indicating that you cannot convert a string to your class type. In essence, you are trying to append raw data from your database into a list designed for a specific class, which leads to type mismatches.

For example, consider this error in your attempts to add data to a List<Director>:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This line fails because you're trying to add a string (created from rdr[0] + ", " + rdr[1]) to a list that expects Director objects.

The Solution

To properly query and populate your list, follow these organized steps:

1. Define Your Classes

First, ensure your classes are correctly defined to match your database schema:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

2. Establish Database Connection

Use MySqlConnection to connect to your MySQL database:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

3. Query the Database

Use MySqlCommand to execute a query and use MySqlDataReader to read the results:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

4. Optional: Using Reflection for Mapping

If you want a more elegant solution to populate your list without explicitly setting each property, consider using reflection:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

To use this method, you can simply call:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

With the steps above, you can successfully query a MySQL database with C- and store the results in a strongly-typed list of your custom objects. Remember, mapping database fields to object properties accurately is crucial to avoid type issues. Frequent practice and exploration of C-'s documentation will make you proficient in no time! Happy coding!