How do I get a distinct, ordered list of names from a DataTable using LINQ? *

Question

Let's say I have a DataTable with a Name column. I want to have a collection of the unique names ordered alphabetically. The following query ignores the order by clause.

var names =
    (from DataRow dr in dataTable.Rows
    orderby (string)dr["Name"]
    select (string)dr["Name"]).Distinct();

Why does the orderby not get enforced?

Answer

To make it more readable and maintainable, you can also split it up into multiple LINQ statements.

1. First, select your data into a new list, let's call it x1, do a projection if desired
2. Next, create a distinct list, from x1 into x2, using whatever distinction you require
3. Finally, create an ordered list, from x2 into x3, sorting by whatever you desire

< br > via < a class="StackLink" href=" http://stackoverflow.com/questions/59/" >How do I get a distinct, ordered list of names from a DataTable using LINQ?< /a>

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