What is Entity Framework
Entity Framework (EF) is an object-relational mapper that enables .NET developers to work with relational data using domain-specific objects.
It eliminates the need for most of the data-access code that developers usually need to write.
When to use Entity Framework
When you need an ORM Mapper .
Particulalry useful while building application based on LINQ and RESFull services.
Perquisite
Visual Studio 2010
Getting Started
Watch a Simple Demo Videos
Read some overview Tutorials
None
Hands On Lab
More Resources
TODO
Advance Topics
TODO
Related Technologies
Related Tools
Developer Tools
Third Party Connectors and Drivers
Best Practices (Dos and Don`t Dos)
TODO
Recommended Books
Beginners
Programming Entity Framework By Julie Lerman [For server side development]
Programming Entity Framework: DbContext By Julie Lerman [For Client Side Data query]
Expert
Entity Framework 4.0 Recipes: A Problem-Solution Approach [For Real Life Problems]
Guru
Essential LINQ By Charlie Calvert, Dinesh Kulkarni [Core Fundamentals]
Discussions (FAQs)
Code First vs Database First
Code First should be use to develop business model when data base is not already in place and development is starting from scratch.
If Database already exist then prefer to start with database first model.
EF Vs Repository Patterns
As for as possible we should avoid using Repository without any valid justification.
ORM solution like EF itself based on Repository and Unit of work patterns
Additional References
Home Page : http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/data/ef.aspx