In an entity framework, the EDM(.edmx) contains three main components.

  • Conceptual Model(CSDL : Conceptual Schema Definition Language)
    The conceptual model contains the model classes and their relationships. This will be independent of the database table design.
  • Storage Model(SSDL : Storage Schema Definition Language)
    The storage model is the database design model which includes tables, views, stored procedures, relationships, and keys.
  • Mapping (MSL : Mapping Schema Language)
    The mapping contains the information about how the conceptual model is mapped to the storage model.