Trying to test the option of replacing our internal data access layer with Entity Framework 4 in our existing web application, I have started a new project and added an ADO.NET Entity Data model, then let it generate from the existing database.
It recognizes the tables in my database but it doesn’t show any relationships between these tables, they are totally separated from each other. Is there any preconditions on the database so one can use the database first method?
DBMS is SQL Server 2005, PK and FK are defined in the database.
Thank you in advance
The foreign key constraints are part of the storage model. You can use the model browser window to view the constraints. This window is probably only available with Service Pack 1 of Visual Studio.
The Entity Framework uses a memory model and a conceptual model. These are stored in a. Edmx file. It is a common XML file that can be edited using any text editor. The foreign key constraint appears in elements like
In the Model Editor foreign key references are indicated by lines between the entities. At the ends of the lines the cardinality is indicated.
If you see no foreign key constraints, then the database may not define them. Check your Database please.