How to: Represent Columns as Class Members

Use the LINQ to SQL ColumnAttribute attribute to associate a field or property with a database column.

To map a field or property to a database column

• Add the ColumnAttribute attribute to the property or field declaration.

Example

The following code maps the CustomerID field in the Customer class to the CustomerID column in the Customers database table.

[Table(Name="Customers")]
public class customer
{
    [Column(Name="CustomerID")]
    public string CustomerID;
    // ...
}

<Table(Name:="Customers")> _
Public Class Customer
    <Column(Name:="CustomerID")> _
    Public CustomerID As String
    ' ...
End Class

You do not have to specify the Name property if the name can be inferred. If you do not specify a name, the name is presumed to be the same name as that of the property or field.

See also

• The LINQ to SQL Object Model
• How to: Customize Entity Classes by Using the Code Editor