# SqlDataReader

*noun*

say it: **“ESS-kyoo-EL DAY-tuh REE-der”** **/ˌɛs kjuː ˈɛl ˈdeɪtə ˈriːdər/**

The ADO.NET class that reads a query's rows one at a time, from first to last.

## What is **SqlDataReader** in C#?

**SqlDataReader** — The ADO.NET object that reads a query's rows one at a time, forward only. Each call to `Read()` moves to the next row and returns `false` when there are no more.

```csharp
using SqlCommand command = new("SELECT CompanyName FROM Shippers", connection);
using SqlDataReader reader = command.ExecuteReader();
while (reader.Read())
{
    Console.WriteLine(reader.GetString(0));
}
```

## In a sentence

- “The **SqlDataReader** gave me one shipper per call to Read().”

Level: Journeyman · [More C# terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary?category=c-sharp&level=3)

Updated: October 28, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/sqldatareader