c# - Mixing Fluent API and DataAnnotations in EF code first

Question

While we mostly use fluent configuration for our code-first POCOs, we have found it useful to use data annotations for things like the table name, PKs, etc. since it makes it easier for non-EF components that don't have a reference to the ObjectContext to interact with these entities.

In our experience, it seems that the two configuration styles can be mixed freely, with fluent configuration overriding DataAnnotations. Is this documented anywhere? Is there any risk to doing this mixed configuration?

We are currently using EF 4.3.1

Answer 1

You can use Data Annotation attributes and Fluent API at the same time. Entity Framework gives precedence to Fluent API over Data Annotations attributes.