juniorEntity Framework
What is Entity Framework Core (EF Core)?
Updated Apr 28, 2026
Short answer
EF Core is a lightweight, extensible, open-source, and cross-platform Object-Relational Mapper (O/RM) for .NET.
Deep explanation
It enables .NET developers to work with a database using .NET objects, eliminating the need for most data-access code. It translates LINQ queries into SQL, maps relational data back to C# objects, and tracks changes to those objects.
Real-world example
Using EF Core to query a SQL Server database for a list of users without writing a raw 'SELECT * FROM Users' ADO.NET command.
Common mistakes
- Confusing EF Core with the legacy EF6. EF Core is a complete rewrite, dropping heavy features like EDMX files in favor of code-first approaches.
Follow-up questions
- What is an O/RM?