Entity Framework Core
Backend & API Technologies
Entity Framework Core
Entity Framework Core (EF Core) is a modern, lightweight, and extensible Object-Relational Mapper (ORM) for .NET. It enables developers to work with databases using strongly typed C# models and LINQ queries.
What is it?
Entity Framework Core is Microsoft’s open-source ORM for .NET applications. It provides an abstraction layer over relational databases, allowing developers to interact with data using domain models instead of raw SQL.
What does it do?
EF Core handles database access, change tracking, migrations, and relationship management. It supports LINQ queries, asynchronous operations, multiple database providers, and integrates seamlessly with ASP.NET Core.
Where is it used?
EF Core is widely used in enterprise backend systems, web APIs, microservices, and SaaS platforms built on .NET where maintainability, productivity, and strong typing are important.
When & why it emerged
EF Core was introduced in 2016 as a re-engineered, cross-platform successor to Entity Framework. It emerged to provide a lighter, more performant ORM aligned with modern .NET and cloud-native architectures.
Why we use it at Internative
We use EF Core for backend systems that require rapid development, strong domain modeling, and long-term maintainability. It allows us to balance productivity with performance in scalable .NET applications.