c# - Best method to store Enum in Database

Question

What is the best method of storing an Enum in a Database using C# And Visual Studio and MySQL Data Connector.

I am going to be creating a new project with over 100 Enums, and majority of them will have to be stored in the database. Creating converters for each one would be a long winded process therefore I'm wondering if visual studio or someone has any methods for this that I haven't heard off.

Answer 1

    [Required]
    public virtual int PhoneTypeId
    {
        get
        {
            return (int)this.PhoneType;
        }
        set
        {
            PhoneType = (PhoneTypes)value;
        }
    }
    [EnumDataType(typeof(PhoneTypes))]
    public PhoneTypes PhoneType { get; set; }

public enum PhoneTypes
{
    Mobile = 0,
    Home = 1,
    Work = 2,
    Fax = 3,
    Other = 4
}

Works like a charm! No need to convert (int)Enum or (Enum)int in code. Just use the enum and ef code first will save the int for you. p.s.: "[EnumDataType(typeof(PhoneTypes))]" attribute is not required, just an extra if you want additional functionality.

Alternatively you can do:

[Required]
    public virtual int PhoneTypeId { get; set; }
    [EnumDataType(typeof(PhoneTypes))]
    public PhoneTypes PhoneType
    {
        get
        {
            return (PhoneTypes)this.PhoneTypeId;
        }
        set
        {
            this.PhoneTypeId = (int)value;
        }
    }