using IronPdf; // Disable local disk access or cross-origin requests Installation.EnableWebSecurity = true; // Instantiate Renderer var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer(); // Create a PDF from a HTML string using C# var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>Hello World</h1>"); // Export to a file or Stream pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf"); // Advanced Example with HTML Assets // Load external html assets: Images, CSS and JavaScript. // An optional BasePath 'C:\site\assets\' is set as the file location to load assets from var myAdvancedPdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<img src='icons/iron.png'>", @"C:\site\assets\"); myAdvancedPdf.SaveAs("html-with-assets.pdf");

using IronPdf; using System; // Step 1. Creating a PDF with editable forms from HTML using form and input tags // Radio Button and Checkbox can also be implemented with input type 'radio' and 'checkbox' const string formHtml = @" <html> <body> <h2>Editable PDF Form</h2> <form> First name: <br> <input type='text' name='firstname' value=''> <br> Last name: <br> <input type='text' name='lastname' value=''> <br> <br> <p>Please specify your gender:</p> <input type='radio' id='female' name='gender' value= 'Female'> <label for='female'>Female</label> <br> <br> <input type='radio' id='male' name='gender' value='Male'> <label for='male'>Male</label> <br> <br> <input type='radio' id='non-binary/other' name='gender' value='Non-Binary / Other'> <label for='non-binary/other'>Non-Binary / Other</label> <br> <p>Please select all medical conditions that apply:</p> <input type='checkbox' id='condition1' name='Hypertension' value='Hypertension'> <label for='condition1'> Hypertension</label><br> <input type='checkbox' id='condition2' name='Heart Disease' value='Heart Disease'> <label for='condition2'> Heart Disease</label><br> <input type='checkbox' id='condition3' name='Stoke' value='Stoke'> <label for='condition3'> Stoke</label><br> <input type='checkbox' id='condition4' name='Diabetes' value='Diabetes'> <label for='condition4'> Diabetes</label><br> <input type='checkbox' id='condition5' name='Kidney Disease' value='Kidney Disease'> <label for='condition5'> Kidney Disease</label><br> </form> </body> </html>"; // Instantiate Renderer var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer(); renderer.RenderingOptions.CreatePdfFormsFromHtml = true; renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(formHtml).SaveAs("BasicForm.pdf"); // Step 2. Reading and Writing PDF form values. var FormDocument = PdfDocument.FromFile("BasicForm.pdf"); // Set and Read the value of the "firstname" field var FirstNameField = FormDocument.Form.FindFormField("firstname"); FirstNameField.Value = "Minnie"; Console.WriteLine("FirstNameField value: {0}", FirstNameField.Value); // Set and Read the value of the "lastname" field var LastNameField = FormDocument.Form.FindFormField("lastname"); LastNameField.Value = "Mouse"; Console.WriteLine("LastNameField value: {0}", LastNameField.Value); FormDocument.SaveAs("FilledForm.pdf");

Published December 25, 2023

LINQ C# (How it Works For Developers)

Introduction to LINQ (Language Integrated Query)

Language Integrated Query (LINQ) is a ground-breaking feature in the .NET Framework, introducing direct query capabilities into the C# language. This feature allows developers to write LINQ queries directly within C#, providing a seamless experience when dealing with various data sources.

LINQ is not just a query language; it's an integral part of the C# programming language that streamlines querying and transforming data from sources like relational databases, XML documents, and in-memory collections.

Key Concepts of LINQ

LINQ Query Syntax

LINQ query syntax is an expressive and readable way to write queries. It is designed to be familiar to those with a background in SQL and SQL databases, making the transition to LINQ queries smooth. This syntax involves using LINQ query expressions that closely resemble SQL queries.

For instance, you would use keywords like from, select, and where to form readable and concise LINQ query syntax to retrieve data from a collection.

Method Syntax in LINQ

LINQ offers method syntax, a more flexible and powerful alternative, along with the traditional query syntax, using extension methods and lambda expressions.

This syntax is especially useful for writing complex LINQ queries and performing advanced query operations. Method syntax can be more concise in specific scenarios and offers the full power of LINQ's querying capabilities.

Writing LINQ Queries

The Basics of LINQ Queries

To effectively write LINQ queries, it's essential to understand the concept of a query variable. This variable is where the results of a LINQ query expression are stored. LINQ can work with any data source that implements the IEnumerable interface, making it highly versatile.

For example, when working with data collections, you can easily apply LINQ queries to perform various operations like filtering and sorting.

Transforming Data with LINQ

LINQ excels in its ability to transform data. With various query operations, you can manipulate data in numerous ways. Whether converting data types, filtering collections based on certain criteria, or aggregating data for summaries, LINQ provides a comprehensive suite of tools to transform data as required.

LINQ to Various Data Sources

LINQ to SQL and Relational Databases

One of the most popular uses of LINQ is with SQL and relational databases. LINQ to SQL simplifies interacting with databases by allowing you to perform SQL-like queries directly on the database tables as if they were in-memory data structures.

This reduces the amount of boilerplate code and makes database operations more intuitive and less error-prone.

Querying XML Documents and More

LINQ is not limited to relational databases. It is equally adept at handling XML documents, offering a straightforward way to query and manipulate XML data.

With LINQ to XML, parsing and querying XML files become simpler and more intuitive, as you can use familiar LINQ query syntax to interact with XML elements and attributes.

Integrating Iron Software Suite with LINQ in C#

The Iron Software Suite is a collection of C# libraries designed to enhance the capabilities of .NET development, including operations that are often used in conjunction with LINQ. Below is a breakdown of how some of these libraries can complement LINQ in various application scenarios

IronPDF

LINQ C# (How It Works For Developers) Figure 1

IronPDF is a library in the Iron Software Suite that enables C# developers to create, read, and edit PDF files. Developers can efficiently manipulate data and render it into PDF format when combined with LINQ.

For instance, you could use LINQ queries to retrieve data from a database or an XML document and then use IronPDF to generate a well-formatted PDF report from the queried data.

IronOCR

LINQ C# (How It Works For Developers) Figure 2

IronOCR is another valuable tool in the suite, offering Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities. It can be used to convert images to text in over 127 languages.

In a typical use case, developers might use LINQ to process and filter a collection of image paths, and then apply IronOCR to extract text from these images, effectively combining data retrieval and text extraction in a streamlined process.

IronXL

LINQ C# (How It Works For Developers) Figure 3

IronXL focuses on working with Excel files without the need for Office Interop. It's particularly useful when working with data in Excel format.

With LINQ, developers can query and transform data from various sources and then use IronXL to export this data to Excel spreadsheets for reporting, further analysis, or distribution.

IronBarcode

LINQ C# (How It Works For Developers) Figure 4

IronBarcode library is used for reading and writing barcodes and QR codes. It can be integrated with LINQ to process large datasets, identifying or generating barcodes or QR codes based on data retrieved or processed using LINQ queries.

Conclusion The Power of LINQ in C#

In conclusion, LINQ's deep integration into C# transforms the way developers interact with data. Its dual syntax options (query syntax and method syntax), extensive query capabilities, and the ability to work with a variety of data sources make it a powerful and indispensable part of the .NET framework.

Whether you're dealing with relational databases, XML documents, or in-memory collections, LINQ's comprehensive set of data querying and transformation tools make it an essential skill for any C# developer.

Iron Software offers a flexible licensing model. All products are free for development and testing within the IDE, with no time restrictions, facilitating a thorough evaluation before purchase.

Moreover, for those wishing to test in a live environment, Iron Software provides a trial key, allowing a comprehensive assessment of its real-world applicability.