ADO.NET Entity Framework
The ADO.NET Entity Framework enables developers to create data access applications by programming against a conceptual application model instead of programming directly against a relational storage schema. The goal is to decrease the amount of code and maintenance required for data-oriented applications. Entity Framework applications provide the following benefits:
Applications can work in terms of a more application-centric conceptual model, including types with inheritance, complex members, and relationships.
Applications are freed from hard-coded dependencies on a particular data engine or storage schema.
Mappings between the conceptual model and the storage-specific schema can change without changing the application code.
Developers can work with a consistent application object model that can be mapped to various storage schemas, possibly implemented in different database management systems.
Multiple conceptual models can be mapped to a single storage schema.
Language-integrated query (LINQ) support provides compile-time syntax validation for queries against a conceptual model.
Where Should I Start?
Depending on what you are most interested in, you should consider getting started with the Entity Framework in one of the following topics.
I want to jump right in…
Just show me some code…
I want to watch some videos…
How does it integrate with Visual Studio?
What can I do with it?
I want to use LINQ…
I want to use the Entity Framework with ASP.NET
I just need some more information…
In This Section
Getting Started (Entity Framework)
Configuring the Entity Framework
Development and Deployment Considerations