How Can Self-Tracking Entities (STEs) Simplify Disconnected Data Management in .NET Applications?

Self-Tracking Entities: Purpose and Utility

Self-tracking entities (STE) are a specialized type of entity object used in .NET applications. Unlike regular EF entities that rely on ObjectContext for change tracking, STEs possess the inherent ability to track changes even after being detached from their context.

The primary purpose of STEs is to simplify disconnected scenarios, particularly in environments where entities need to be transferred between multiple applications or processes. For example, in a .NET-to-.NET communication scenario via web services, the initial response may include an STE populated with data from the server. The client application can then make changes to the STE, and the changes will be preserved even after the STE is detached from the server's ObjectContext. This significantly simplifies the process of synchronizing changes between disconnected applications.

STE also finds applications in Silverlight development, where complex object graphs need to be managed in disconnected mode. However, it's important to note that STEs are not an alternative to RIA Services' client-side or shared classes, which are specifically designed for data access and manipulation in Silverlight. STE's main advantage lies in their ability to track changes in disconnected scenarios, while RIA Services provides a more comprehensive solution for Silverlight data access.

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