Creating Conceptual Models in Visual Studio

Conceptual models let you query, create, and update data by using entities and relationships instead of by using Transact-SQL. Technologies such as the Entity Framework and WCF Data Services use conceptual models to translate object operations into database operations. You can create a conceptual model by using the ADO.NET Entity Data Model Tools in Visual Studio. The Entity Data Model Tools create an .edmx file, which contains the conceptual model, the storage model (how your data is stored in a database), and the mapping between the two.

The following topics show how to create and use conceptual models to connect to data.

Topic	Description
How to: Create a New .edmx File (Entity Data Model Tools)	Shows how to create a new .edmx file by using the Entity Data Model Wizard.
How to: Generate a Database from a Conceptual Model (Entity Data Model Tools)	Shows how to create a database from an existing conceptual model.
Creating the Data Service (WCF Data Services Quickstart)	Shows how to create a new data service from a database by defining a data model with the Entity Data Model Wizard.

See Also

Other Resources

Entity Data Model Wizard

Generate Database Wizard (Entity Data Model Tools)

Generating Models and Mappings

Exposing Your Data as a Service (WCF Data Services)