The main difference between code first and database first approach in MVC is that the code first allows the programmer to create entity classes with properties first, and then create the database and tables based on the defined entity classes. But, the database first allows creating the database and tables first, and then creating the entity data model using that database.
Software professionals follow various patterns in software development. One of them is MVC which stands for Model, View and Controller. The model represents the data and business logic, the view represents the user interfaces of the application, and the controller handles the incoming requests. The MVC approach helps to maintain software applications. Furthermore, it is easier to add modifications to the code. Therefore, web frameworks such as ASP.NET allow users to develop web applications according to the MVC pattern. Additionally, a programmer can use entity framework to perform operations on the database. The two methods of using the entity framework are code first and database first approach.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Code First Approach in MVC
– Definition, Functionality
2. What is Database First Approach in MVC
– Definition, Functionality
3. Difference Between Code First and Database First Approach in MVC
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Code First Approach, Database First Approach, MVC
What is Code First Approach in MVC
In the code first approach, the programmer first creates the entity classes with the required properties. Then the entity framework creates databases and tables according to those defined classes. Likewise, the code helps to generate the code. In other words, when a programmer runs the application, the database will get created.
The main advantage of this approach is that it allows the programmer to create the database and related tables from the business objects easily. He does not have to pay much attention to building the database. Instead, the code first approach of the entity framework takes care of that task. Then, the programmer can specify the collections that have to be eager loaded or not be serialized at all. But, this approach is more suitable for small scale applications.
However, the database first approach also has some disadvantages. If the programmer uses the stored procedures, then he has to map the stored procedures using Fluent API and write stored procedure inside the code. Moreover, if the programmer has to do modification in the database table, he has to change the entity classes in the code. Then only he can run the required command from the package manager console to update the database. Therefore, this approach is not very suitable for applications that highly rely on data.
What is Database First Approach in MVC
In the database first approach, the database and tables are created first. Then the programmer can create the entity data model using the created database. It is simple to create the data model first using this approach as there is a graphical user interface. Secondly, it is easier for the programmer to map and create the keys and the relationships as he does not have to write them in the code. Therefore, this approach is suitable for large applications that rely highly on data.
On the other hand, using an existing database to generate a .edmx model file and the associated code models can create a large amount of auto-generated code. Furthermore, when the programmer needs to add any functionality to the generated model, then he has to extend the generated model class.
Difference Between Code First and Database First Approach in MVC
Definition
Code First is an approach available in entity framework that allows a programmer to create databases using entity classes to build MVC applications. In contrast, the database first is an approach available in entity framework that allows the programmer to create a database first creating the entity data model when developing the MVC applications. Thus, this is the main difference between code first and database first approach in MVC.
Method
Moreover, the other important difference between code first and database first approach in MVC is the method followed. In the code first approach, the programmer has to write the classes with the required properties first, while in the database first approach, the programmer has to create first the database using GUI.
Usage
Furthermore, the code first approach is suitable for small applications that are not data intensive, while the database first approach is suitable for large applications that are data intensive.
Conclusion
A programmer can use code first or database approach when using applications such as ASP.NET. The entity framework allows the use of these two approaches in the program. The main difference between Code First and Database First Approach in MVC is that the Code First approach allows the programmer to create entity classes with properties first, and then create the database and tables based on the defined entity classes. But, the Database First approach allows creating the database and table firstly and then creating the entity data model using that database. However, the programmer has to choose one of the approaches depending on the application.
References:
1.“ASP.Net MVC Introduction – Javatpoint.” Www.javatpoint.com, Available here.
2.“ASP.Net MVC Entity Framework – Javatpoint.” Www.javatpoint.com, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1.”1839406″ via Pixabay
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