How do I view the SQL generated by the Entity Framework?

Question

How do I view the SQL generated by entity framework ?

(In my particular case I'm using the mysql provider - if it matters)

Answer 1

For those using Entity Framework 6 and up, if you want to view the output SQL in Visual Studio (like I did) you have to use the new logging/interception functionality.

Adding the following line will spit out the generated SQL (along with additional execution-related details) in the Visual Studio output panel:

using (MyDatabaseEntities context = new MyDatabaseEntities()) {     context.Database.Log = s => System.Diagnostics.Debug.WriteLine(s);     // query the database using EF here. } 

More information about logging in EF6 in this nifty blog series: http://blog.oneunicorn.com/2013/05/08/ef6-sql-logging-part-1-simple-logging/

Note: Make sure you are running your project in DEBUG mode.

Answer 2

You can do the following:

IQueryable query = from x in appEntities              where x.id == 32              select x;  var sql = ((System.Data.Objects.ObjectQuery)query).ToTraceString(); 

or in EF6:

var sql = ((System.Data.Entity.Core.Objects.ObjectQuery)query)             .ToTraceString(); 

or in EF6.3+:

var sql = ((dynamic)flooringStoresProducts).Sql; 

That will give you the SQL that was generated.