Handle multiple db updates from c# in SQL Server 2008

Question

I like to find a way to handle multiple updates to a sql db (with one singe db roundtrip). I read about table-valued parameters in SQL Server 2008 http://www.codeproject.com/KB/database/TableValueParameters.aspx which seems really useful. But it seems I need to create both a stored procedure and a table type to use it. Is that true? Perhaps due to security? I would like to run a text query simply like this:

var sql = "INSERT INTO Note (UserId, note) SELECT * FROM @myDataTable";
var myDataTable = ... some System.Data.DataTable ...
var cmd = new System.Data.SqlClient.SqlCommand(sql, conn);
var param = cmd.Parameters.Add("@myDataTable", System.Data.SqlDbType.Structured);
param.Value=myDataTable;
cmd.ExecuteNonQuery();

So

A) do I have to create both a stored procedure and a table type to use TVP's? and
B) what alternative method is recommended to send multiple updates (and inserts) to SQL Server?

Answer 1

Yes, you need to create the types.

Alternatives are sending a big string sql batch or passing XML to sprocs.

The downside to big sql string batches is it can blow the sql proc cache and might cause sql to recompile - especially if the batch is unique because of input data being part of that large string. By definition each batch would be unique.

XML was the main alternative before TVPs. The one downside to XML, for at least awhile, sql azure didn't support it (that might change?) so it limits your options.

TVPs seem to be the way to do this. Our project just converted to using TVPs.

Hope that helps.