Using Linq to SQL, how do I find min and max of a column in a table?

Question

I want to find the fastest way to get the min and max of a column in a table with a single Linq to SQL roundtrip. So I know this would work in two roundtrips:

Answer 1

A LINQ to SQL query is a single expression. Thus, if you can't express your query in a single expression (or don't like it once you do) then you have to look at other options.

Stored procedures, since they can have statements, enable you to accomplish this in a single round-trip. You will either have two output parameters or select a result set with two rows. Either way, you will need custom code to read the stored procedure's result.

(I don't personally see the need to avoid two round-trips here. It seems like a premature optimization, especially since you will probably have to jump through hoops to get it working. Not to mention the time you will spend justifying this decision and explaining the solution to other developers.)

Put another way: you've already answered your own question. "I can't use the .Min without grouping first", followed by "that crazy group clause seems silly, and the SQL it makes is more complex than it needs to be", are clues that the simple and easily-understood two-round-trip solution is the best expression of your intent (unless you write custom SQL).