How to connect to a MySQL Data Source in Visual Studio

Question

I use the MySQL Connector/Net to connect to my database by referencing the assembly (MySql.Data.dll) and passing in a connection string to MySqlConnection. I like that because I don't have to install anything.

Is there some way to "Choose Data Source" in Visual Studio 2010 without installing something?

How can I get a MySQL option (localhost) to show up on one of these lists? Or do I have to install something?

(I don't want to use ODBC btw)

"Add Connection" from Server Explorer:

Entity Data Model Wizard:

question from:https://stackoverflow.com/questions/4235291/how-to-connect-to-a-mysql-data-source-in-visual-studio

Answer 1

Visual Studio requires that DDEX Providers (Data Designer Extensibility) be registered by adding certain entries in the Windows Registry during installation (HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftVisualStudio{version}DataProviders) . See DDEX Provider Registration in MSDN for more details.