Business Model Design
- 2 minutes to read
Note
This section is split into two parts, which describe the use of two different Object-relational mapping (ORM) tools: Entity Framework (EF) and eXpress Persistent Objects (XPO). You will start by choosing the one ORM you will use in your project and the subsequent steps will reflect your choice.
In this section, you will learn how to design a business model (database) when building business applications via the eXpressApp Framework. You will create business classes that will be mapped to database tables. You will also learn how to set relationships between classes, implement dependent properties, validate property values, and so on.
To design a business model, the following techniques will be used.
Use the Business Class Library
The Business Class Library provides the most commonly used business classes, such as Person, Event, Task, etc. You can use a class from this library as is, or inherit from it to extend it.
From Scratch
If you use XPO and the Business Class Library does not provide the appropriate business class, inherit from one of the Base Persistent Classes. When using EF, you can create business classes from scratch without inheritance, as demonstrated in the Code First to a New Database tutorial.
Tip
If you need to build an application based on an existing database, refer to the How to: Generate XPO Business Classes for Existing Data Tables or Use Entity Framework with an Existing Database topic.
After completing the tutorial, you will have WinForms and ASP.NET applications.
The ASP.NET application will provide almost the same functionality, but via a slightly different set of visual elements.
Proceed to Create a Solution using the Wizard to start the tutorial.