DataReader vs DataSet

DataReader

       I.            DatReader works on a Connection oriented architecture.

    II.            DataReader is read only, forward only. It reads one record at atime. After DataReader finishes reading the current record, it moves to the next record. There is no way you can go back to the previous record. So using a DataReader you read in forward direction only.

 III.            Updations are not possible with DataReader.

IV.            As DataReader is read only, forward only it is much faster than a DataSet.

DataSet

       I.            DataSet works on disconnected architecture.

    II.            Using a DataSet you can move in both directions. DataSet is bi directional.

 III.            Database can be updated from a DataSet.

IV.            DataSet is slower than DataReader.