What is the difference between a forward-only cursor and a static cursor in ADO.NET? ● Forward-only cursor: A cursor that allows you to read rows sequentially in a forward direction only. It is fast and lightweight, but you cannot go back to previous rows. ● Static cursor: A cursor that allows both forward and backward navigation. It provides
Answer: snapshot of the data and remains unchanged even if the data in the database changes during the operation. It is slower and consumes more memory compared to forward-only cursor.
What interviewers expect
- A clear definition tied to ADO.NET in ADO.NET projects
- Trade-offs (performance, maintainability, security, cost)
- When you would and would not use it in production
Real-world example
In a production ADO.NET application, teams apply this when handling user-facing features or integration boundaries. For example, you might use it during a sprint where reliability and observability matter—logging metrics, validating edge cases, and documenting the decision in an ADR so future developers understand why the approach was chosen.
How to explain in the interview
- Define the concept in one or two sentences.
- Context — where it fits in ADO.NET architecture.
- Example — a specific project, bug, or performance win.
- Trade-off — what you gain vs what you sacrifice.
Tip: Practice aloud on Toolliyo mock interview or the Interview Q&A section before your real interview.