Entity Framework 4 in Action

Summary

Entity Framework 4 in Action is an example-rich tutorial for .NET developers with full coverage of EF 4 features. The book begins with a review of the core ideas behind the ORM model and shows through detailed examples and larger case studies how Entity Framework offers a smooth transition from a traditional ADO.NET approach.

Entity Framework builds on the ADO.NET persistence model and the language features of LINQ to create a powerful persistence mechanism that bridges the gap between relational databases and object-oriented languages.

Entity Framework 4 in Action is an example-rich tutorial that helps .NET developers learn and master the subject. It begins by explaining object/relational mapping and then shows how you can easily transition to EF from ADO.NET. Through numerous focused examples and two larger case studies, the book unfolds the EF story in a clear, easy-to-follow style. Infrastructure and inner workings of EF are discussed when you need them to understand a particular feature.

This book is written for .NET developers. Knowledge of ADO.NET is helpful but not required.

Purchase of the print book comes with an offer of a free PDF, ePub, and Kindle eBook from Manning. Also available is all code from the book.

• Full coverage of EF 4 features
• Layer separation, Data Layer, and Domain Model
• Best practices

Table of Contents

PART 1 REDEFINING YOUR DATA-ACCESS STRATEGY

1. Data access reloaded: Entity Framework
2. Getting started with Entity Framework

PART 2 GETTING STARTED WITH ENTITY FRAMEWORK

3. Querying the object model: the basics
4. Querying with LINQ to Entities
5. Domain model mapping
6. Understanding the entity lifecycle
7. Persisting objects into the database
8. Handling concurrency and transactions

PART 3 MASTERING ENTITY FRAMEWORK

9. An alternative way of querying: Entity SQL
10. Working with stored procedures
11. Working with functions and views
12. Exploring EDM metadata
13. Customizing code and the designer