LinqConnect Improvements
In the new versions of Devart dotConnect ADO.NET providers for Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite we have added Fluent Mapping support for LinqConnect models.
Fluent mapping provides the following advantages over XML and attribute mapping:
- Unlike attribute mapping, fluent mapping does not modify entity classes, allowing them not to be persistence-aware.
- Application code performs mapping, so mapping is always checked for errors during compilation.
- Mapping can be easily modified at run-time. For example, different DBMS can be used for persistence depending on the application settings.
Entity Developer Improvements
The new version of Entity Developer supports ENUM types introduced in the Entity Framework June 2011 CTP release and contains other numerous enhancements.
This release of Entity Developer supports Entity Framework June 2011 CTP. If this version of Entity Framework is installed on the machine, it is selected as the default setting in the application's appropriate dialogs.
As part of Entity Framework, Entity Developer fully supports the newly introduced enum types by providing a new Enum node in its Model Explorer window. Enum types are supported in Entity Developer for Entity Framework and LinqConnect models. For an easier use of this type, the application provides the drag-and-drop mechanism allowing to move enum types from the Model Explorer window on to the diagram's surface, and the Find in diagrams function that enables the user to easily locate enum types on the diagram.
Properties of the Enum types as well as those of their members can be conveniently set and modified in the new Enum Type Editor, provided in this latest version. Subsequently, these properties are displayed in the Properties windows and can be edited directly in that window.
Major improvements in the usability and user-friendliness of the application include entity shape coloring, selection-driven highlighting, application and diagram skins.
The entity shape coloring function allows the user to define a custom coloring for any entity present on the diagram by changing its Shape Color property.
The selection-driven functionality is intended to improve the readability of complex diagrams by visually indicating various interrelations between different entities present on a particular diagram.
The general look and feel of the application is further modernized with sets of skins for the application itself (available only in the standalone version) and for the diagram.
If you need another feature in Entity Developer or LinqConnect, visit our forum at UserVoice and vote for suggested features or suggest your own one.
dotConnect for Oracle 6.50 [ Download ] [ New Features ]
dotConnect for MySQL 6.50 [ Download ] [ New Features ]
dotConnect for PostgreSQL 5.50 [ Download ] [ New Features ]
dotConnect for SQLite 3.50 [ Download ] [ New Features ]
If you wish to provide feedback on the new version, you can do it on our forums or with the contact form. There is also a feedback form in the support zone of every product. We are always glad to hear your comments and accommodate your development needs.
Devart Development Team
http://www.devart.com/dotconnect/