LINQ Query Syntax to Lambda

Question

Wondering if there is any way to get the lambda expressions that result from a LINQ "query" syntax expression.

Given:

var query = from c in dc.Colors
            where c.ID == 213
            orderby c.Name, c.Description
            select new {c.ID, c.Name, c.Description };

Is there any way to get the generated "lambda" code / expression?

var query = dc.Colors
    .Where(c => c.ID == 213)
    .OrderBy(c => c.Name)
    .ThenBy(c => c.Description)
    .Select(c => new {c.ID, c.Name, c.Description, });

I know these are very simple examples and that the C# compiler generates a lambda expression from the query expression when compiling the code. Is there any way to get a copy of that expression?

I am hoping to use this as a training tool for some of my team members that aren't very comfortable with lambda expressions. Also, I have used Linq Pad, but ideally this can be accomplised without a 3rd party tool.

Joe Albahari · Accepted Answer · 2009-05-01 01:22:22Z

5

Simply go:

string lambdaSyntax = query.Expression.ToString();

The disadvantage compared to LINQPad is that the result is formatted all one line.

answered May 1, 2009 at 1:22

Joe Albahari

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4 Comments

andleer Over a year ago

This produces similar results to those found by using Reflector on your assembly. All static method calls against crazy named anonymous types. Not ideal.

Joe Albahari Over a year ago

It's better than what you see in Reflector - and it's as good as you'll get without third party tools.

andleer Over a year ago

Love your book. I bought a few copies for team members.

Chris Over a year ago

I believe from some tests that you need to make sure query is Queryable. You can do this by adding .AsQueryable() to the first enumerable if needed.

Orion Edwards · Accepted Answer · 2009-04-29 21:14:05Z

3

You could try compiling the assembly and then having a look at it using Reflector.

This might be a bit more complicated than you want though, because the compiler will compile things right down to the direct method calls (everything will be static method calls, not extension methods, and the lambdas will get compiled into their own functions which are usually called something like <ClassName>b_88f)

You'll certainly figure out what's going on though :-)

answered Apr 29, 2009 at 21:14

Orion Edwards

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1 Comment

Chris Brandsma Over a year ago

Reflector is a wonderful tool! Bonus points because you can use it to look at the .net code for just about any .net assembly.

JP Alioto · Accepted Answer · 2009-04-29 21:17:01Z

2

ReSharper has that feature. It will take a LINQ to Lambda and back again at the stroke of a key. Also very (very) useful for other things.

answered Apr 29, 2009 at 21:17

JP Alioto

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1 Comment

andleer Over a year ago

Really trying to avoid 3rd party tools.

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