[This topic is pre-release documentation and is subject to change in future releases. Blank topics are included as placeholders.]
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:
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Applications can work in terms of a more application-centric conceptual model, including types with inheritance, complex members, and relationships.
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Applications are freed from hard-coded dependencies on a particular data engine or storage schema.
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Mappings between the conceptual model and the storage-specific schema can change without changing the application code.
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Developers can work with a consistent application object model that can be mapped to various storage schemas, possibly implemented in different database management systems.
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Multiple conceptual models can be mapped to a single storage schema.
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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…
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- Just show me some code…
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- I want to watch some videos…
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- How does it integrate with Visual Studio?
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- What can I do with it?
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- I want to use LINQ…
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- I just need some more information…
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In This Section
See Also
