Add property to entity framework model

Question

I am using Entity Framework in my dataaccess layer, i also use this as my object model.

psudo object model:

public class Item{
    public string ID{get;set;}
    public string Name{get;set;}
    public Xml Data{get;set;}
}

The Data property is the key here. i would like to be able to do this:

Psudo:

var item = Items.Get(id: 1);
var xmlValue = item["key"];

I would like to be able to extend the EF generated class Item with a new property where i use some logic to get a value by key from the xml.

My problem is:

I find EF data model not very easy to work with and when i want to update the Item table, i cannot be sure my extended logic will stand.
I dont think i want to add an extracted model and do a convert the EF Item to My.Item every time. This will be a heavy opeartion if the table gets big.

What is a good way to extend the EF object model?

that i dont

scartag · Accepted Answer · 2012-12-12 19:51:43Z

4

You could just use a partial class and define the extra fields / properties.

Converting from EF Item to your item is trivial if the fields are the same, you could just use Automapper

i'm leaning towards the partial class solution though.

answered Dec 12, 2012 at 19:51

scartag

17.7k3 gold badges52 silver badges53 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

1 Comment

You could also use extension methods.