ZLINQ vs LINQ

What is LINQ?

Language Integrated Query (LINQ) is a feature introduced in .NET that allows developers to write queries directly in C# code to work with:

• Collections (List, Array, Dictionary)

• Databases (via Entity Framework)

• XML

• In-memory objects

It provides a consistent way to query data using a readable syntax.

Example (Standard LINQ)

var evenNumbers = numbers.Where(x => x % 2 == 0).ToList();

What is ZLINQ?

ZLinq is a high-performance alternative to standard LINQ designed to reduce memory allocations and improve speed, especially when working with large in-memory collections.

ZLINQ focuses on:

• Zero allocations

• Struct-based enumerators

• High performance

• Reduced GC pressure

It is mainly used for performance-critical applications.

WHERE to Use?

Use Case	LINQ	ZLINQ
Database queries	✅ Yes	❌ No
Entity Framework	✅ Yes	❌ No
In-memory collections	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
High-performance systems	⚠️ Moderate	✅ Best
Game engines	⚠️	✅
Real-time systems	⚠️	✅

WHY Use ZLINQ Instead of LINQ?

Standard LINQ:

• Creates temporary objects

• Uses heap allocations

• Causes garbage collection in heavy loops

ZLINQ:

• Uses structs instead of classes

• Avoids heap allocations

• Reduces GC pressure

• Improves performance in tight loops

If performance matters (e.g., 1M+ records), ZLINQ is better.

WHEN to Use?

Use LINQ When:

• Building CRUD applications

• Using Entity Framework

• Writing readable business logic

• Performance is not critical

Use ZLINQ When:

• Processing millions of records in memory

• Developing games

• Working in financial trading systems

• Writing high-frequency processing code

• Performance benchmarking shows LINQ is slow

HOW to Use?

Using Standard LINQ

var result = list
    .Where(x => x.Age > 18)
    .Select(x => x.Name)
    .ToList();

Using ZLINQ

After installing ZLINQ package:

var result = list
    .AsValueEnumerable()
    .Where(x => x.Age > 18)
    .Select(x => x.Name)
    .ToArray();

Notice:

• AsValueEnumerable() avoids allocations.

• Faster iteration.

Compatibility Comparison Table

Feature	LINQ (.NET Framework)	LINQ (.NET Core)	ZLINQ (.NET Framework)	ZLINQ (.NET Core)
Built-in	✔ Yes	✔ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
NuGet Required	❌ No	❌ No	✔ Yes	✔ Yes
EF Support	✔ Yes	✔ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
In-memory Support	✔ Yes	✔ Yes	✔ Yes	✔ Yes
High Performance	⚠ Moderate	⚠ Moderate	✔ High	✔ Very High
Recommended Usage	All apps	All apps	Limited	Performance-critical apps

Real-World Recommendation by Project Type

Project Type	Framework	Recommended Option
ASP.NET MVC (Legacy)	.NET Framework 4.7	LINQ
ASP.NET Core Web API	.NET 6/8	LINQ (default)
Financial Engine	.NET 6+	ZLINQ
Game Development	.NET 6+	ZLINQ
Enterprise ERP	.NET Framework	LINQ

LINQ vs ZLINQ – Pros and Cons Comparison

Criteria	LINQ	ZLINQ
Availability	✔ Built-in in .NET	❌ Requires external NuGet package
Ease of Use	✔ Very easy and readable	⚠ Slightly more complex
Performance	⚠ Moderate	✔ High performance
Memory Allocation	❌ Creates heap allocations	✔ Zero / minimal allocations
Garbage Collection (GC)	❌ Higher GC pressure in large loops	✔ Reduced GC pressure
Database Support (EF)	✔ Fully supported	❌ Not supported
In-Memory Collections	✔ Supported	✔ Optimized for this
Community Support	✔ Very large	⚠ Smaller
Learning Curve	✔ Beginner friendly	⚠ Intermediate/Advanced
Best For	Business apps, CRUD apps	High-performance systems
Debugging	✔ Easier	⚠ Slightly complex
Deferred Execution	✔ Supported	✔ Supported (optimized)
Real-Time Systems	⚠ Not ideal for heavy loads	✔ Suitable

Limitations

LINQ Limitations

• Performance overhead in large loops

• Deferred execution confusion

• Harder debugging in complex chains

ZLINQ Limitations

• Not compatible with Entity Framework

• Limited documentation

• Mainly for advanced use cases

• Requires performance knowledge

Real Time Example

Scenario: Payroll Processing System

Company processes salary for 5 million employees.

Using LINQ:

var totalSalary = employees
    .Where(e => e.IsActive)
    .Sum(e => e.Salary);

Works fine, but may create temporary objects.

Using ZLINQ:

var totalSalary = employees
    .AsValueEnumerable()
    .Where(e => e.IsActive)
    .Sum(e => e.Salary);

Faster and more memory-efficient.

Performance Comparison (Conceptual)

Feature	LINQ	ZLINQ
Memory Allocation	Higher	Very Low
Speed	Moderate	High
GC Impact	Medium	Low
Ease of Use	Very Easy	Moderate