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.
About the Technology
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.
About the Book
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.
What's Inside

Full coverage of EF 4 features

Layer separation, Data Layer, and Domain Model

Best practices

Table of ContentsPART 1 REDEFINING YOUR DATA-ACCESS STRATEGY

Data access reloaded: Entity Framework

Getting started with Entity Framework

PART 2 GETTING STARTED WITH ENTITY FRAMEWORK

Querying the object model: the basics

Querying with LINQ to Entities

Domain model mapping

Understanding the entity lifecycle

Persisting objects into the database

Handling concurrency and transactions

PART 3 MASTERING ENTITY FRAMEWORK

An alternative way of querying: Entity SQL

Working with stored procedures

Working with functions and views

Exploring EDM metadata

Customizing code and the designer