Get Column DataType from Entity Framework Entity

Question

Using Entity Framework 5, database first.

Is it possible (at run time) to get the data type of the database column that an entity\'s property represents? The .net t

Answer 1

To get the data type of the particular column of the table:

[Assume: Entity prop class name: Vendors and column name ="VendorID"]

string columnTypName =   (context.Vendors.EntitySet.ElementType.Members["VendorID"].TypeUsage.EdmType).Name;

To get all columns names and type of the columns dynamically:

[Param : tableName]

var columns = from meta in ctx.MetadataWorkspace.GetItems(DataSpace.CSpace)
                                       .Where(m => m.BuiltInTypeKind == BuiltInTypeKind.EntityType)
                       from p in (meta as EntityType).Properties
                       .Where(p => p.DeclaringType.Name == tableName)
                       select new
                       {
                           colName = p.Name,
                           colType = p.TypeUsage.EdmType.Name
                       };