Entity Framework Core Providers

Database Providers for Entity Framework Core

Entity Framework Core (EF Core) is designed to be extensible, and a key part of this extensibility is its support for various database providers. These providers translate LINQ queries and EF Core operations into the specific SQL or query language of the target database.

This page lists and provides links to common EF Core database providers, along with guidance on how to install and configure them.

Supported Providers

Installing a Provider

To use a specific database provider, you need to install the corresponding NuGet package. For example, to use the SQL Server provider, you would typically run:

dotnet add package Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore.SqlServer

Or, if using Visual Studio:

1. Right-click on your project in Solution Explorer.
2. Select "Manage NuGet Packages...".
3. Search for Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore.SqlServer and install it.

Configuring a Provider

Once installed, you configure the provider in your DbContext using the OnConfiguring method or by passing configuration options to the constructor:

Using OnConfiguring

public class MyDbContext : DbContext
{
    protected override void OnConfiguring(DbContextOptionsBuilder optionsBuilder)
    {
        optionsBuilder.UseSqlServer("Server=(localdb)\\mssqllocaldb;Database=MyDatabase;Trusted_Connection=True;");
    }

    // ... your DbSets ...
}

Using Dependency Injection (Recommended)

In modern .NET applications, it's common to configure EF Core services using dependency injection. You'd typically do this in your Startup.cs or Program.cs:

public void ConfigureServices(IServiceCollection services)
{
    services.AddDbContext<MyDbContext>(options =>
        options.UseSqlServer(Configuration.GetConnectionString("DefaultConnection")));
}

Ensure your appsettings.json or equivalent configuration source contains the connection string:

{
  "ConnectionStrings": {
    "DefaultConnection": "Server=(localdb)\\mssqllocaldb;Database=MyDatabase;Trusted_Connection=True;"
  }
}

Choosing a Provider

The choice of database provider depends on your project requirements, existing infrastructure, and team familiarity. Consider factors such as:

• Database Features: Does the database offer features your application needs (e.g., JSON support, geospatial capabilities)?
• Performance: Performance characteristics can vary significantly between databases.
• Licensing and Cost: Some databases are open-source and free, while others have commercial licenses.
• Community and Support: A strong community can provide valuable help and resources.

EF Core aims to provide a consistent experience across all providers, but there might be provider-specific nuances or advanced features you'll want to explore in their respective documentation.