POCO DataSet

POCO DataSet is a lightweight, extensible data container for .NET applications that need structured tabular data (tables / rows / columns) without the complexity and legacy constraints of System.Data.DataSet. It is built around plain C# objects (POCOs), clean separation between data and metadata, and predictable behavior that round-trips well throughh JSON.

The POCO DataSet is not just "another data container" but a transport and projection model for business data.

Why it matters

• Lightweight and explicit - minimal concepts with no hidden behavior.
• POCO-first - easy to test, extend, and keep framework-agnostic.
• JSON-friendly - predictable serialization for client/server workflows.
• UI-agnostic but UI-friendly - a neutral data surface for Blazor, MVC, services, plugins, etc.
• Plays well with Entity Framework Core through the provided bridge.
• Connects to SQL Server through the provided SQL Data Adapter.
• Metadata-driven - supports dynamic UI generation and rule-based processing.
• Contract-projection friendly - the same table and rows can be viewed through multiple interface contracts without copying or remapping data.

Who it is for

• .NET developers who need a clean tabular model without adopting a full ORM for every use case.
• Teams migrating from System.Data.DataSet to a modern, POCO-based approach.
• Applications with dynamic forms, grids, and search screens driven by schema / metadata.
• Modular / plugin architectures where data must cross boundaries in a neutral format.
• Systems where the same business data must be consumed by different layers, services, or UI components through different contracts.

Pick your path

If you are new, start with "Introduction" section. If you are implementing, go directly to "Quick start" or "API reference" section.

• Introduction
  What POCO DataSet is, where it fits, and why it exists.
• Concepts
  Design principles, mental model, and architectural foundations.
• Quick start
  Practical walkthroughs: NuGet packages and installation, SQL Data Adapter, EF Core bridge, changesets, and merge workflows.
• API references
  The complete technical reference (types and members).

 

Table of Content

 

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Business Process Programming in .Net
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