Entity Framework Core Documentation
Welcome to the comprehensive documentation for Entity Framework Core (EF Core), the modern, open-source, cross-platform version of the popular Entity Framework data access technology.
What is Entity Framework Core?
Entity Framework Core is a lightweight and extensible version of the Entity Framework. It is a free and open-source Object-Relational Mapper (ORM) that enables .NET developers to work with a database using .NET objects that represent the data. EF Core supports LINQ queries, change tracking, updates, and schema migrations.
Key Features
- Cross-Platform: Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- LINQ Support: Query your database using Language Integrated Query (LINQ).
- Change Tracking: Automatically tracks changes to your entities.
- Migrations: Easily manage database schema changes over time.
- Performance: Optimized for speed and efficiency.
- Extensible: Highly customizable to fit your needs.
- Provider Model: Supports a wide range of databases (SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, Oracle, Cosmos DB, etc.).
Getting Started
Begin your journey with EF Core by following our step-by-step guides. Learn how to set up your development environment, define your data model, and interact with your database.
Core Concepts
Understand the fundamental building blocks of EF Core. This section covers essential topics like DbContext, entity types, relationships, querying, and change tracking.
- DbContext: The Gateway to Your Data
- Entity Types and DbSets
- Configuring Relationships
- Writing and Executing Queries
- Understanding Change Tracking