Versions: EF 6 / EF Core - (Entity Framework)

Entity Framework is a popular Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) tool that allows developers to work with databases using .NET objects. There are two major versions of Entity Framework: EF 6 and EF Core. In this tutorial, we'll take a look at the syntax, differences, use cases, and important points of each version.

Syntax

The syntax for both EF 6 and EF Core is very similar since they both use LINQ (Language-Integrated Query) to interact with databases. However, there are some differences in syntax for certain features.

Example

Let's compare an example of querying a database using EF 6 and EF Core.

For EF 6:

using(var db = new MyContext())
{
    var query = db.Orders.Where(o => o.OrderDate >= DateTime.Now.AddDays(-7))
                         .OrderBy(o => o.OrderDate)
                         .Select(o => o);
    var result = query.ToList();
}

For EF Core:

using(var db = new MyContext())
{
    var query = db.Orders.Where(o => o.OrderDate >= DateTime.Now.AddDays(-7))
                         .OrderBy(o => o.OrderDate)
                         .ToList();
}

As you can see, the key difference is that EF Core allows for chaining the ToList() method directly on the query.

Explanation

EF 6 and EF Core are similar in that they both provide a way to interact with relational databases using .NET objects. However, there are some differences in syntax, performance, and features between the two.

Use

EF 6 is typically used for applications targeting .NET Framework, while EF Core is used for applications targeting .NET Core and .NET 5+. Some developers prefer EF 6 for its stability and rich feature set, while others prefer EF Core for its speed, flexibility, and support for cross-platform development.

Important Points

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

• EF 6 is a mature and stable ORM with a rich feature set, but it only works with .NET Framework.
• EF Core is a lightweight and fast ORM that works with .NET Core and .NET 5+, but it may not have all the features of EF 6.
• EF Core is designed to work with both relational and non-relational data stores.
• EF Core may have better performance than EF 6 due to its lightweight nature and improved query translation.

Summary

In this tutorial, we discussed the differences between EF 6 and EF Core. We covered syntax, examples, explanation, use, and important points of each version of Entity Framework. By understanding these differences, you can choose the right version of Entity Framework for your project.