How to Resolve the 'Cannot Use Entity Framework 6' Issue When Integrating MySql in WinForms Applications?

Resolving Entity Framework 6 for MySql Integration in WinForms (C#) for Microsoft Visual Studio 2013

Integrating Entity Framework 6 for MySql in WinForms applications within Microsoft Visual Studio 2013 can present challenges. This article will guide you through troubleshooting the common issue of not being able to select Entity Framework 6 for your database connection, as described in the question.

Troubleshooting the "Cannot Use Entity Framework 6" Issue

The primary issue stems from the lack of a compatible Entity Framework database provider. To resolve this, follow these steps:

1. Install the latest Visual Studio plugin and MySql connector: Remove the community MySQL installer and install the latest versions of the MySQL Visual Studio plugin and MySQL connector for .NET.
2. Ensure .NET Framework 4.5: Create a new WinForms project targeting .NET Framework 4.5 or higher.
3. Install NuGet packages: Install the following NuGet packages in sequence: EntityFramework, MySql.Data, MySql.Data.Entities, and MySql.Web.
4. Edit App.config: Comment out the existing tag and add a new tag below the tag.
5. Add the following to the tag:

<defaultConnectionFactory type="MySql.Data.Entity.MySqlConnectionFactory, MySql.Data.Entity.EF6" />
<providers>
  <provider invariantName="MySql.Data.MySqlClient" type="MySql.Data.MySqlClient.MySqlProviderServices, MySql.Data.Entity.EF6" />
</providers>

6. Add ADO.NET Entity Data Model: Right-click on the project and add an ADO.NET Entity Data Model.
7. Skip version selection: As you have only one valid provider, skip the Entity Framework version selection.
8. Configure your database connection: Generate the Entity Connection string and save it in App.Config. Select your database objects and settings.
9. Add references to DLL files: Add the following .dll files as project references if necessary: MySql.Data.dll, MySql.Data.Entity.EF6.dll, and MySql.Web.dll.

By following these steps, you can successfully integrate Entity Framework 6 for MySql in your WinForms application within Microsoft Visual Studio 2013.

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