LINQ Query Syntax to Lambda

Question

Wondering if there is any way to get the lambda expressions that result from a LINQ "query" syntax expression.

Given:

var query = from c in dc.Colors
            where c.ID == 213
            orderby c.Name, c.Description
            select new {c.ID, c.Name, c.Description };

Is there any way to get the generated "lambda" code / expression?

var query = dc.Colors
    .Where(c => c.ID == 213)
    .OrderBy(c => c.Name)
    .ThenBy(c => c.Description)
    .Select(c => new {c.ID, c.Name, c.Description, });

I know these are very simple examples and that the C# compiler generates a lambda expression from the query expression when compiling the code. Is there any way to get a copy of that expression?

I am hoping to use this as a training tool for some of my team members that aren't very comfortable with lambda expressions. Also, I have used Linq Pad, but ideally this can be accomplised without a 3rd party tool.

Answer 1

Simply go:

string lambdaSyntax = query.Expression.ToString();

The disadvantage compared to LINQPad is that the result is formatted all one line.

Answer 2

You could try compiling the assembly and then having a look at it using Reflector.

This might be a bit more complicated than you want though, because the compiler will compile things right down to the direct method calls (everything will be static method calls, not extension methods, and the lambdas will get compiled into their own functions which are usually called something like <ClassName>b_88f)

You'll certainly figure out what's going on though :-)

Answer 3

ReSharper has that feature. It will take a LINQ to Lambda and back again at the stroke of a key. Also very (very) useful for other things.