A newer version of this LINQ to SQL template is available.
The topic of modifying the code generation phase of LINQ to SQL comes up often and the limited T4 template I published here last month was good at showing the potential but wasn’t a practical replacement for the code generation phase.
I am please to make available the next version, which now…
- Runs from the DBML therefore keeping the designer in the loop
- Generate all the attributes for columns and tables including UpdateCheck, IsDbGenerated etc.
- Supports associations including those with a foreign key
- Generates appropriate attributes and code for both serialization modes
In short it generates code that is now functionally equivalent to SQL Metal with the following caveats:
- C# only: VB.NET can be added if there is some interest
- Stored procedures: not yet supported
- Table inheritance: incomplete
- DBML changes require you open and re-save the T4 template so it regenerates the code
- Unidirectional serialization requires you add System.Runtime.Serialization to your project references (thanks Roger!)
To use the template:
- Extract the archive and add the two files to your project
- Right-click on the
L2ST4.ttfile, choose Properties and set the Custom Tool to blank - Rename
DataClasses1.ttto the same name as your DBML file (but keeping the .tt extension) and open it - Click save and watch a freshly generate C# DataContext pop out
- Switch off the LINQ to SQL designer generated C# by either setting the Custom Tool on the DBML to blank or setting the Build Action on the generated C# to None.
L2ST4.tt contains a lightweight wrapper around the DBML which is processed using LINQ to XML making the template easier to work with and providing a central for naming rules etc.
This code should be treated as a sample and hasn’t received much testing yet so feel free to leave comments or feedback here.
Some places you could take this template:
- Generate an interface for your data context to improve mocking
- Alternative naming and defaults
- Splitting output into multiple files
- New languages
[)amien
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