Linq to SQL Features in Visual Studio 2008 Beta 2

Linq to SQL Features in Visual Studio 2008 Beta 2

1. Code Generation improvements: Partial methods on DataContext and entity classes that can be extended in your partial class. Examples include
   1. Property setter validation methods (pre/post)
   2. Entity initialization and validation methods
   3. Create/Update/Delete (CUD) override methods (e.g. UpdateCustomer())
      
2. Unification of code gen. Now SqlMetal's code generator also powers the beautiful LINQ to SQL designer. So you can use either tool to gen your classes and get consistent results.
   
3. LinqDataSource for your web apps that modify data but don't want to include a ton of custom code.
   
4. Revamped and rationalized WinForms databinding support (no more ToBindingList() needed)
   
5. Tonnes of performance improvements across the board. 
   
6. Streamlined and enhanced support for detached objects (see Attach() APIs) for multi-tier apps
   
7. SQL Server Compact Edition (SQL CE) support
   
8. Better APIs for getting commands and changed objects (GetChangeSet/GetCommand instead of GetChangeText/GetQueryText)
   
9. Inheritance enhancements - a relationship can be added in a derived class and a relationship to a derived class is now supported
   
10. Partial trust support - now you can use it in ASP.NET medium trust with the addition of RestrictedMemberAccess permission
    
11. Better serialization
    
12. 500+ fewer bugs :-)
    
13. Query Visualizer is back disappearing in beta1 for a design overhaul.
    
14. Lots of improvements in the designer for sproc handling - especially for insert/update/delete. But that is almost a separate topic best handled elsewhere

Enjoy!