Create a BDC model

You can create a Business Data Connectivity (BDC) model by using the template for that kind of item and then adding the model to any SharePoint project. For more information, see Create a business data connectivity model. For more information about how to design the model, see Design a business data connectivity model.

To create a BDC project

  1. On the menu bar, choose File > New > Project.

  2. On the Create a New Project dialog select the SharePoint Empty Project* for the particular version of SharePoint you have installed. For example, if you have SharePoint 2019 install select the SharePoint 2019 - Empty Project template.

    Note

    You can also search for templates by typing SharePoint in the Search text box at the top of the Create a New Project dialog. You can also filter the list of templates to show only the templates for Office and SharePoint by selecting "Office" in the Project type drop-down box. For more information, see Create a new project in Visual Studio.

  3. Change the name of the project if you would like to, and then choose the Create button.

  4. On the Specify the site and security level for debugging page, specify the URL of a SharePoint site on the local computer, choose the Deploy as farm solution option button, and then choose the Finish button.

    You will test the model on the SharePoint site that you specified.

    Important

    You must deploy the project as a farm solution because BDC models support only farm solutions.

    An empty SharePoint project is created.

  5. On the menu bar, choose Project > Add New Item.

  6. In the Add New Item dialog box, choose the Office/SharePoint node.

  7. In the list of SharePoint templates, choose Business Data Connectivity Model (Farm Solution Only).

  8. In the Name box, specify a name for the BDC model, and then choose the Add button.

    A Business Data Connectivity Model item is added to the project. By default, the model appears in the BDC designer. For more information, see Create a business data connectivity model.