What is Explicit Loading in EF Core?
Updated Apr 28, 2026
Short answer
Explicit Loading is fetching related data manually for an entity that is already loaded and tracked by the context.
Deep explanation
Instead of eager loading (Include) or lazy loading (automatic proxy retrieval), explicit loading uses the Entry() method followed by Collection() or Reference() and then Load(). It is useful when related data is only needed under specific complex conditions evaluated after the main entity is retrieved.
Real-world example
Loading a user's basic profile, and only loading their massive purchase history if they click the 'View History' button in a desktop app.
Common mistakes
- Using explicit loading inside a loop, which creates the N+1 query problem.
Follow-up questions
- Can you filter data during Explicit Loading?