Can I use the connection from Entity Framework or should I create a new one?

Question

I have a SQLite Database that I access using System.Data.SQLite. The database is read into my Entity Framework Objectcontext. However, I also need direct access to the database in certain cases.

Can I / Should I use the same connection that my Entity Framework object context is using? I.e. ObjectContext.Connection?
If yes, how can I access it? Casting Entities.Connection to SQLiteConnection results in "Unable to cast object of type 'System.Data.EntityClient.EntityConnection' to type 'System.Data.SQLite.SQLiteConnection'."
If not, should I create a seperate connection, open it and keep it open for the application duration, or should I open and close the connection every time I want to access the database with it?

Craig Stuntz · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-26 14:42:45Z

1

ObjectContext.Connection is an EntityConnection. You can get the store connection via:

var sc = ((EntityConnection)ObjectContext.Connection).StoreConnection;

You can cast that to the SQLiteConnection.

It's OK to use this connection if you need it.

But, as @Chris mentioned, you can just use ObjectContext.ExecuteStoreQuery, etc., if that will do for you.

answered Jul 26, 2011 at 14:42

Craig Stuntz

127k12 gold badges257 silver badges275 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

2 Comments

Pieter Müller Over a year ago

I ended up using ObjectContext.ExecuteStoreQuery which worked perfectly. Thanks

Pieter Müller Over a year ago

LOL I just ended up reading this question and using the answer, without realising it was me who originally posted it! Craig, if I could mark it twice, I would!

Tridus · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-26 13:05:36Z

0

If you're using the DBContext API you can actually execute a direct query by using this: aDBContext.Database.SqlQuery

I wouldn't be surprised if something similar exists for the ObjectContext API, but I barely used that one and thus can't tell you what it is.

Now if for some reason you can't (or don't want) to do that, I'd create a new connection for your custom queries. Put them in a Using and close it as soon as you're done with it.

answered Jul 26, 2011 at 13:05

Tridus

5,4011 gold badge22 silver badges20 bronze badges

Comments

Chris Snowden · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-26 13:05:59Z

0

Entity Framework has built in methods for executing raw SQL queries if that's what you need to do.

answered Jul 26, 2011 at 13:05

Chris Snowden

4,9921 gold badge27 silver badges34 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Can I use the connection from Entity Framework or should I create a new one?

3 Answers 3

2 Comments

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

3 Answers 3

2 Comments

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Linked

Related