Key Differences - (Entity Framework Core)

Entity Framework Core is a popular object-relational mapping (ORM) framework for .NET applications. In this tutorial, we'll cover the key differences between Entity Framework Core and its predecessor, Entity Framework 6.

Syntax

There is no specific syntax for the key differences between Entity Framework Core and Entity Framework 6.

Example

To illustrate some of the key differences between Entity Framework Core and Entity Framework 6, let's look at an example of how to define a database context.

Entity Framework 6

In Entity Framework 6, you use the DbContext class to define a database context:

using System.Data.Entity;

public class MyDbContext : DbContext
{
    public DbSet<Customer> Customers { get; set; }
    public DbSet<Order> Orders { get; set; }
}

Here, we've defined a MyDbContext class that includes two DbSet properties for Customer and Order.

Entity Framework Core

In Entity Framework Core, you also use the DbContext class, but the syntax is slightly different:

using Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore;

public class MyDbContext : DbContext
{
    public DbSet<Customer> Customers { get; set; }
    public DbSet<Order> Orders { get; set; }
}

Here, we've defined a MyDbContext class that includes two DbSet properties for Customer and Order. The only difference in syntax is the namespace used for the DbContext class.

Explanation

Entity Framework Core is a complete rewrite of Entity Framework, and as a result, there are some key differences between the two.

One of the main differences is that Entity Framework Core is designed to work in a wider variety of environments, including .NET Core and Xamarin. It is also more lightweight than Entity Framework 6, with a smaller API surface area.

Another major difference is the level of support for advanced features. Entity Framework 6 includes support for advanced querying features, such as full-text search and spatial queries. Entity Framework Core, on the other hand, is designed to be more lightweight and does not include support for some of these advanced features.

Use

Entity Framework Core is a good choice if you need to build an application that can run on a wide variety of platforms. It is also a good choice if you don't need some of the advanced features that Entity Framework 6 provides.

Important Points

Here are some important points to keep in mind when comparing Entity Framework Core and Entity Framework 6:

• Entity Framework Core is a complete rewrite of Entity Framework and is more lightweight and designed to work in a wider variety of environments.
• Entity Framework 6 provides support for advanced features such as full-text search and spatial queries, while Entity Framework Core does not.

Summary

In this tutorial, we covered the key differences between Entity Framework Core and Entity Framework 6. We covered the syntax, example, explanation, use, and important points when comparing the two. By understanding these differences, you can make an informed decision about which ORM framework to use for your application.