EF 5 Code First Dictionary Mapping

Question

Is there a way to map a dictionary using Entity Framework 5?

From what I found during the search, it was not supported until EF 4.1, not sure if EF 5 provides any innovative methods for easily matching it.

I use a dictionary to store a "variable number of properties" for each class object.

If it does not support what would be the best alternative data structure to be used in this scenario (supported by EF)?

Answer 1

The dictionary is still not supported. You should use the traditional one-to-many relationship. Where each of your current key / value pairs in the dictionary will be stored as an entry in the table and associated with a foreign key with the main object (which contains the dictionary). The entity should look like this:

public class Item { public int Id { get; set; } // unique autogenerated database key public string Key { get; set; } public string Value { get; set; } public int PrincipalId { get; set; } // FK to principal entity } 

The property types and foreign key name will be different for your current situation. The main object will have:

 public virtual ICollection<Item> Items { get; set; }