# What is LINQ?

LINQ is ETL for the data in your program. Start from any collection, chain methods such as Where, OrderBy and Select that each transform the items, and finish with ToList, Count or First. A query runs when its results are used.

![Cheat sheet: What is LINQ?](https://fsdtrainingmedia.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/2026/11/aede3410ecb6419098ff7fe5af5d4016.webp)

- Category: C#
- Level: Journeyman
- Tags: c-sharp, Deferred Execution, IEnumerable<T>, LINQ
- Updated: November 3, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/cheat-sheets/linq-what-is-linq-cheat-sheet