Using the Database First Model

The Entity Framework creates a model of your data in Visual Studio.

The following procedure uses the Oracle ADO.NET Entity Framework data provider, and assumes that you already have the database schema available.

1. Create a new application, such as Windows Console, Windows Forms, or ASP.NET, in Visual Studio.

2. In the Solution Explorer, right-click the project and select Add / New Item. The Add New Item window appears.

   

3. Select ADO.NET Entity Data Model, and then click Add. The Choose Model Contents window appears.

   

4. Select Generate from database, and then click Next. The Choose Your Data Connection window appears.

   

5. If you want to use an established connection, select it from the drop-down list and continue at Step 7. To create a new connection, continue at Step 6.

6. Click New Connection... to create a new connection.
   a. On the Choose Data Source window, select Other in the Data source list, then select your data provider, for example, Progress DataDirect Connect for ADO.NET Oracle Data Provider, in the Data provider drop-down list.
   b. Click Continue.
   c. The Connection Properties window appears. Provide the necessary connection information; then, click OK.

7. The Wizard creates an Entity connection string.
   a. If the radio buttons are selectable, select Yes, include the sensitive data in the connection string.
   b. In the Save entity connection settings... field, type a name for the name of the main data access class, or accept the default.
   c. Click Next. The Choose Your Database Objects window appears.

   

8. Select the database objects that you want to use in the model.

9. Click Finish. The model is generated and opened in the Model Browser.