Why does LINQ translation sometimes generate inefficient SQL queries?

LINQ may generate inefficient SQL due to expression structure, missing hints, or provider limitations.

EF Core translates expression trees into SQL without full semantic understanding of performance implications. Complex nested expressions, multiple projections, or non-sargable predicates can produce suboptimal SQL (e.g., unnecessary subqueries or lack of index usage). The database optimizer still helps, but poor LINQ structure reduces its effectiveness.