Microsoft Linq is "Language Integrated Query" tool for programmers. 

References:
* Introducing LINQ to Relational Data: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc161164.aspx

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'''Advantages of Microsoft Linq''':
* attempts to get rid of some of problems with using SQL in programs 
* insert more points here..

'''Disadvantages Of Microsoft Linq''':
* muddies the waters (relational model confused and reinvented again)
* can't be used outside .Net?
* LINQ to SQL is an object-relational mapping (ORM) framework instead of doing relational properly..sigh