Question

I have a database that uses a custom model for recording lookup valus (i.e. states, types, etc.). So across all of the database tables, there are various columns called something like state_cdv_id which would store an integer and reference the code_value table to get that state’s value (i.e. “CA”, “AK”, etc.).

I would like to map my EF model so that I can access the code values for all of these fields, and I don’t want to have to do it manually in partial classes for EVERY entity… that’s a lot of repetition. So I want to be able to access my code values like: MyPerson.State and get back the string “CA” for example.

Here’s what a single getter would be that I would have to repeat many times if I were to do it manually:

    public string State
    {
        get
        {
            MyEntityContext c = new MyEntityContext();
            return c.CodeValues.Single(cv => cv.Id == RecordStatusCdvId).Value;
        }
    }

I don’t know what the best approach would be: change the T4 templates, add property attributes to certain fields and then programmatically add a getting to those, or something else.

Any help?

Answer 1

If there is a 1:1 relationship between the entity and the code_value table the entity should already have a State property, which by default which will be null by default, you could then fill it in by using an Include on your DB queries:

var foo = context.MyEntities.Include( x => x.State);