Status Update for Entity Framework Support in XAF v2012 Vol 2
In the v2012 vol 2 release, we have significantly improved Entity Framework (EF) support in XAF. You can start using EF in your production applications instead of XPO, but with certain limitations, as described below.
What are the current EF limitations in XAF?
- EF support was recently introduced in the 12.1 release of XAF, while XPO has been used in XAF from the beginning. This is why the majority of our demos and examples are based on XPO.
- With EF, you still cannot use complex security system configurations that involve a server-side security engine or XPO-specific integrated mode (the UI-Level mode is supported; see the EFDemoCodeFirst and EFDemoModelFirst demos).
- Although the most frequently used XAF modules are compatible with EF, there are several extra XAF modules that have not been upgraded/tested for EF compatibility. The table below lists these modules, and indicates which data access technologies are currently supported by XPO, DC and EF.
Choosing between EF and XPO
If you’re trying to decide which ORM to learn (XPO or EF), and you don’t have a preference for either ORM, we recommend XPO. XPO is well-supported by our XAF product, and we provide extensive documentation on how to use XPO in XAF. However, if you are already proficient in EF and would prefer to use this ORM, you can use EF, but with certain limitations. We will be improving support for EF in upcoming releases.
Getting Started with EF in XAF
To learn how to use EF in XAF v12.2, refer to the following topics:
- How to: Get Started with the Entity Framework Code First in XAF
- How to: Get Started with the Entity Framework Model First in XAF
Free DevExpress Products - Get Your Copy Today
The DevExpress Team