Creating the Object Model (LINQ to SQL)

You can create your object model from an existing database and use the model in its default state. You can also customize many aspects of the model and its behavior.

If you are using Visual Studio, you can use the Object Relational Designer to create your object model. For more information, see How to: Create LINQ to SQL Classes Mapped to Tables and Views (O/R Designer) and How to: Create LINQ to SQL Classes Mapped to Tables and Views (O/R Designer).

In This Section

• How to: Generate the Object Model in Visual Basic or C# (LINQ to SQL)
  Describes how to use the SQLMetal command-line tool. Also provides a link to the Object Relational Designer for Visual Studio users

• How to: Generate the Object Model as an External File (LINQ to SQL)
  Describes how to generate an external mapping file instead of using attribute-based mapping.

• How to: Generate Customized Code by Modifying a DBML File (LINQ to SQL)
  Describes how to generate Visual Basic or C# code from a DBML metadata file.

• How to: Validate DBML and External Mapping Files (LINQ to SQL)
  Describes how to validate mapping files that you have modified (advanced).

• How to: Make Entities Serializable (LINQ to SQL)
  Describes how to add appropriate attributes to make entities serializable.

• How to: Customize Entity Classes by Using the Code Editor (LINQ to SQL)
  Describes how to use the code editor to write your own mapping code, or customize code that has been autogenerated.

Related Sections

• The LINQ to SQL Object Model
  Provides details about the LINQ to SQL object model.

• Typical Steps for Using LINQ to SQL
  Explains the typical steps that you follow to implement a LINQ to SQL application.