What is the difference between "DataSet" and "DataReader"?
The major differences between "DataSet" and "DataReader" are as follows:-
1)The "DataSet" is a disconnected architecture, while the "DataReader" has live connection while reading the data. If we want to cache a data and pass it to a different tier the "DataSet" forms the best choice and it has decent XML support.
2)When application require to access data from more than one table the "DataSet" forms the best choice.
3)If we need to move back while reading records, the "datareader" does not support this functionality.
4)But one of the biggest drawbacks of the DataSet is speed. As the "DataSet" carry considerable overhead as of relations, multiple tables etc speed is slower than "DataReader". Therefore always try to use the "DataReader" wherever possible, as it is meant specially for the speed performance.