Simple to learn .NET data provider?

Question

I am new with .NET technologies (but rather familiar with other frameworks) and wanted to know what data provider is simple to learn.

Requirements:

• Simple to learn for .NET beginners
• Reasonably functional
• Supports a large number of relational databases

Answer 1

I'm going to assume that you mean a ORM since a data provider is just a minimal layer between your app and the actual database, and should be changed without modifying your app.

• Entity Framework; this is the obvious choice because its provided by Microsoft. There is a lot of documentation out there, and if you just want to learn entity framework you can quickly do so by utilizing LINQPad with EF.
• SqlFu; This is simpler, therefore easier to learn. Its also easy use sql for querying which should be familiar if you've earlier programming experience.
• MicroLite; Because someone said its the easiest ORM to set up with different data providers, which maybe is the most relevant to your question.