What is a model in ASP.Net MVC?

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I am developing a small website in MVC but stuck in very beginning. I am confused about multiple things and approaches. Those are as following:-

1-What is a model and what does it contain? Does it contain or map only tables in the database or it is something else. Please provide an example of a simple model or
in a master detail scenario. I am asking it because we have navigational properties in entity framework. So how this can be shown if not using entity.

2-Every where I find entity framework as connectivity option. I want to know if this is the only option for connectivity.I mean can I use stored procedures(not in entity framework).

3-If I am using stored procedures,how will I define models.

4- Lastly, If I start with entity framework what should be used:

4a-Database first-Auto generated code,hard to modify
4b-Code first- Evey time regenerates db when changes are there in model

So you can see that there are lot of foolish questions but trust me,these are the answers I need at this point of time.
Thank You.

Posted 21-Mar-15 7:19am

Manvendra Singh

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Afzaal Ahmad Zeeshan · Accepted Answer · 2015-03-21T11:27:00

Let me answer your question more specifically and a bit well-described way. First of all, MVC framework[^], is not an approach of ASP.NET application building only. It is an architecture in software development, used for distributing the source code into three categories,

Model -- I will explain it a little better below, for now they contain the data.
View -- It is the actual HTML content of your website
Controller -- The back-end logic of your application, including the handlers

Now coming to the Model part of the MVC. ASP.NET uses the same pattern for application development, Model-view-controller. A model is the class, that defines the structure of data in your application. It simply defines what members your object has, and a few other functions related to your data (such as getting enumerable for your objects; list).

Secondly, you do not need Entity framework to work with Models in ASP.NET MVC. A model is just the definition, it doesn't has to be coming from Entity framework, or a database even. You are not supposed to have a database to use a Model. I will attach an article of mine with this answer to support this statement.

You can use those stored procedures to execute and return the data, using that data you can fill your models. You will be using the Controller to execute the Sql commands to get the data from a stored procedure... And thus then fill in the Model. Just make sure you're having a member inside your model, which can hold a list. Please see the attached article; for more on this.

If you're not using Entity framework, then don't use it. Who's forcing you to use one? I will not answer this part.

This is the article of mine, that explains ASP.NET MVC for beginners and intermediates. It doesn't use Entity framework, because Entity framework has been explained well by the ASP.NET developers. That is why I tried using JSON (not SQL database) for the data source for my application. I guess that article is a perfect for your condition here. You should try it a try. It will clarify all of your concepts and confusions.

Understanding ASP.NET MVC using real world example, for beginners and intermediate[^]

King Fisher · Accepted Answer · 2015-03-21T07:35:00

Solution 1

Quote:
What is model?

Model is class that maps to the Table.

Quote:
what does it contain?

It contains all application logic like business logic, validation logic, and data access logic.

Quote:
I want to know if this is the only option for connectivity

No it is not the only option .It is the one of the best option.
why it is best?
The same question raised when i start to learn MVC.Refer it.
Entity Framwork or LINQ for MVC ?[^]

Quote:
can I use stored procedures

Yes you can use Stored Procedures in MVC

Quote:
If I am using stored procedures,how will I define models.

Refer it.
http://www.asp.net/mvc/overview/getting-started/getting-started-with-ef-using-mvc/async-and-stored-procedures-with-the-entity-framework-in-an-asp-net-mvc-application[^]

Quote:
If I start with entity framework what should be used:

Refer it
EF code first or Model First or DB First?[^]

I hope its help you.

Posted 21-Mar-15 7:35am

King Fisher

Comments

Manvendra Singh 21-Mar-15 14:10pm

Thank you very much King Fisher. Currently I am going through the links you provided. Will ask you back If I get more questions.
Thank you.

King Fisher 21-Mar-15 14:13pm

Welcome buddy.

Afzaal Ahmad Zeeshan 21-Mar-15 17:41pm

Actually ASP.NET MVC can run without Entity framework, or without having a database at the back-end. You can use any kind of data source, just use your controller to load the data into the Model; Entity framework also does the same. It loads the data from your database and fills your models for your view. For more, please see Solution 2 of mine, and the attached article in it.

King Fisher 22-Mar-15 12:21pm

I didn't say you should use Entity Entity Framework.

King Fisher 24-Mar-15 1:24am

Can you tell me the reason for the downvote?

Manvendra Singh 24-Mar-15 2:11am

I didn't downvote bdy. I gave you 4 star+aceepted solution

Afzaal Ahmad Zeeshan 24-Mar-15 9:49am

Nope, I didn't... I receive votes on my answers, I don't vote on other posts. :) Up-vote if answer is compelling, if there are problems I just share my views with a 4 vote. :)

King Fisher 24-Mar-15 2:11am

No ,I asked to Afzaal Ahmed.