Can Visual Studio Lightswitch connect to an oracle database?

Question

All the demos of Visual Studio Lightswitch use SQL-Server, it is possible to access data from Oracle using Visual Studio Lightswitch?

Answer 1

Yes, if you can get a third-part provider for the entity framework. I actually asked this question at VSLive this week.

Answer 2

Visual Studio Lightswitch can be persisted to an Oracle Database via the Entity Framework.

1. Oracle Data Provider (ODP.Net)

   Oracle's ODAC Tools contains the Oracle Data Provider (ODP.Net) for use with Visual Studio applications. Oracle's latest driver with support for Entity Framework 4.1 and "Model First" approach.

   EDIT: I am not sure if it supports "Code-First" or EF 4.2 so check documentation. That said, it's free and supported by Oracle so I would strongly suggest starting here before rolling your own, or using open source providers/drivers.

   Download ODP.Net 11.2.0.3

   EF Tutorial w/ ODP.Net

   Notes: "11.2.0.2 Release 4" will cut it, but "11.2.0.3 is" out and more stable.

2. Third party drivers are available for purchase:

   docConnect for Oracle

   DevArt's ADO.Net Provider for Oracle

3. Open Source Providers

   In addition there are some open source options available - one I found on Github:

   https://github.com/object/NorthwindOData

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Tutorial on MSDN: How to Connect Lightswitch to EF 4.1