ADO.NET Entity Framework

作為下一代 ADO.NET 3.0 的開發架構，Entity Framework 讓我們從複雜的關系資料模型中解脫出來，使用更加符合面向對象的實體資料模型(Entity Data Model)來完成業務設計和開發。

Entity Framework 很像 NHibernate，同樣采取 XML 進行映射。不過借助于強大的可視化設計工具和向導，我們可以非常友善地完成這些頭疼的工作。 Entity Framework  對 Linq 的直接支援 —— LINQ to Entities

Entity Framework Features:

1. Entity Designer

Generate a model from a database (via wizard) and display it on the designer surface

Edit conceptual model properties (namespace, alias, etc.)

Control visual aspects of the design surface (layout) and persist changes

Add, Delete, and Edit Entities; Scalar properties; Associations; and Inheritance

Automatic set management

Automatic Navigation property management

Error reporting

Validate model and mappings using Entity Framework Runtime

2. Entity Mapping

View the mapping for a C-Side Entity or Association

Rename or delete C-Side objects without worrying about mapping

Map an EntityType to multiple tables

Apply multiple conditions to a table mapping

Map associations

Automatic generation of conditions and referential constraints on associations

TPH: Map an Entity hierarchy to a single table

TPT: Map an Entity hierarchy to multiple tables

3. Entity Model Browser

Understand and visualize the model in a tree hierarchy

Visually relate shapes on the designer surface with hierarchy in model

4. Visual Studio Integration

Support for C# and VB in multiple project types: ASP.NET Web site, ASP.NET Web Application Project, Console, WinForms, and Library

Project system integration: item template for .edmx file, model generation wizard, EdmxDeploy.exe, and Entity Framework validation on build

Support for multiple Visual Studio editions: Express, Standard, Pro, and VSTS.

<a href="http://blogs.msdn.com/adonet/" target="_blank">ADO.NET team blog</a>

本文轉自 張善友 51CTO部落格，原文連結：http://blog.51cto.com/shanyou/73887，如需轉載請自行聯系原作者