Model Binding With Entity Framework (ASP.NET MVC)

Question

Earlier I created an AddClient page that (when posted) passed a client object and I used db.AddToClient(obj) in my repository to persist it. Easy stuff.

Now, I have a details page whose save submits a post to an action "UpdateClient". Before that action is hit, my custom model binder creates my Client object and it's conveniently handed to the action. The thing is, this client object is not connected to a EF context yet. Where is the correct place to do that? In the modelbinder, or maybe when we get it from the controller, or perhaps we wait until we do a repository call and link it up there? What's the recommended process?

Answer 1

Database work should be put in the repository call.

Are you directly binding to an entity framework object in your model binding? If not, you should consider do some mapping between your custom object and entity framework object.

Answer 2

If an EF object has been created outside a context, you need to Attach the object to the context.

See: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb896271.aspx

Answer 3

From what I remember, you will either need to attach the object again to the context and set it as modified

Or reload the object from the database and apply your changes.

This article explains it better:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/ee321569.aspx#id0090022

What version of EF are you using ?