EF Core (Entity Framework Core) is a lightweight, extensible, open-source, cross-platform Object-Relational Mapper (ORM) developed by Microsoft. It is the modern version of Entity Framework and is used to interact with relational databases using C# objects. Key Features of EF Core Feature Description ORM Maps C# classes to database tables and columns. LINQ Support Query the database using LINQ syntax. Migrations Handles schema changes through code-based migrations. Cross-platform Works on Windows, Linux, macOS. Database Providers Supports SQL Server, SQLite, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, etc. Change Tracking Automatically tracks changes to objects for Insert, Update, or Delete. How EF Core Works Define a Model (C# Classes) Create a DbContext Class Configure EF Core (e.g., in Startup.cs or Program.cs) Use EF Core in Code Advantages No need to write SQL for most queries.Keeps code DRY by centralizing models.Works well with ASP.NET Core and dependency injection.Supports unit testing with in-memory databases. EF Core vs EF 6 Feature EF 6 EF Core Platform .NET Framework only .NET Core & .NET 5+ Performance Slower Faster & lightweight LINQ Features Mature Constantly improving Cross-platform No Yes

Products

Data Converter Cleaner TUC - Unit Converter Import Export Survey Manager Tweet Controller

Developer

Article Blog Forum Interview Beginner News Startup Quiz

Users

Career

Apply Job Internship

Pricing

What is EF Core?

Utpal Vishwas 540 20 May 2025

1 Answers

Utpal Vishwas 20 May 2025

EF Core (Entity Framework Core) is a lightweight, extensible, open-source, cross-platform Object-Relational Mapper (ORM) developed by Microsoft. It is the modern version of Entity Framework and is used to interact with relational databases using C# objects.

Key Features of EF Core

Feature	Description
ORM	Maps C# classes to database tables and columns.
LINQ Support	Query the database using LINQ syntax.
Migrations	Handles schema changes through code-based migrations.
Cross-platform	Works on Windows, Linux, macOS.
Database Providers	Supports SQL Server, SQLite, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, etc.
Change Tracking	Automatically tracks changes to objects for `Insert`, `Update`, or `Delete`.

How EF Core Works

Define a Model (C# Classes)

public class Product
{
    public int Id { get; set; }
    public string Name { get; set; }
}

Create a DbContext Class

public class AppDbContext : DbContext
{
    public DbSet<Product> Products { get; set; }

    public AppDbContext(DbContextOptions<AppDbContext> options) : base(options) { }
}

Configure EF Core (e.g., in Startup.cs or Program.cs)

services.AddDbContext<AppDbContext>(options =>
    options.UseSqlServer("Your_Connection_String"));

Use EF Core in Code

public class ProductService
{
    private readonly AppDbContext _context;

    public ProductService(AppDbContext context)
    {
        _context = context;
    }

    public List<Product> GetAll()
    {
        return _context.Products.ToList();
    }
}

Advantages

No need to write SQL for most queries.
Keeps code DRY by centralizing models.
Works well with ASP.NET Core and dependency injection.
Supports unit testing with in-memory databases.

EF Core vs EF 6

Feature	EF 6	EF Core
Platform	.NET Framework only	.NET Core & .NET 5+
Performance	Slower	Faster & lightweight
LINQ Features	Mature	Constantly improving
Cross-platform	No	Yes

Markdown for AI

A clean, structured version of this page for AI assistants and LLMs.

Open .md

interview