EntityFramework

Building Dynamic Web Applications with Entity Framework Core in ASP.NET Core

Pruthvi Gohil
By Pruthvi Gohil
Jun 24, 2024
Building Dynamic Web Applications with Entity Framework Core in ASP.NET Core

Introduction

First we need to understand why we use ORM tools instead of manually managing data access. Manually managing data access involves writing code to interact with the database directly using languages like SQL. This approach can lead to several challenges:

  • Boilerplate Code: You need to write repetitive code for common operations like connecting to the database, executing queries, and processing results. This can be time-consuming and error-prone.
  • Error Handling: Manual error handling for database interactions is complex and requires careful checking for potential issues like SQL injection attacks or data type mismatches.
  • Data Model Mapping: You need to manually map data between your application objects and the database tables. This can be cumbersome and error-prone, especially for complex data models.

ORM Tools as a Solution:

Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) tools like Entity Framework Core (EF Core) address these challenges by providing a layer of abstraction between your application and the database.

  • Reduced Boilerplate: ORMs automatically generate most of the code for data access tasks, freeing developers to focus on application logic.
  • Simplified Error Handling: ORMs handle common errors and data type conversions, improving code reliability and security.
  • Automatic Data Mapping: ORMs map your application objects (like classes) to database tables, reducing the need for manual data model manipulation.
  • Improved Portability: Many ORMs support multiple database providers, allowing you to switch databases more easily.
  • Enhanced Maintainability: Changes to the data model can be reflected in your object classes, simplifying code updates.

                 Overall, ORMs like EF Core streamline data access in web applications, promoting faster development, better code maintainability, and reduced risk of errors.

What is EF Core? :

Entity Framework Core (EF Core) is a tool that simplifies working with databases in your .NET applications. It acts as a bridge between the object-oriented world of your application (think classes and properties) and the relational world of databases (tables and columns).
 

Benefits of using EF Core for data access: 

  • Increased Developer Productivity: EF Core significantly reduces the amount of boilerplate code required for data access tasks. Developers can focus on building the core functionalities and business logic of the application instead of writing repetitive SQL queries. Automatic data model mapping eliminates the need for manual data manipulation between objects and tables.
  • Improved Code Maintainability: By centralizing data access logic in EF Core, your code becomes cleaner and easier to understand. Changes to the data model can be reflected in your object classes, simplifying code updates.
  • Type Safety and Compile-Time Checks: Defining your data model with classes and properties in EF Core enforces type safety, helping catch errors early in the development process.
  • Support for LINQ: EF Core allows you to use LINQ (Language Integrated Query) expressions for querying data. LINQ syntax is similar to working with objects directly, making it easier to write and understand queries.
  • Improved Code Readability: Separating data access logic from business logic leads to cleaner and more readable code. This makes it easier for other developers to understand and maintain the code base.
     

Step-by-Step Guide with Code Examples 
This guide walks you through creating a basic Web API in ASP.NET Core that uses Entity Framework Core (EF Core) to interact with a SQL Server database. We'll build a simple blog example with functionalities for managing blog posts.

  1. Setting Up the Project: 
    • Open Visual Studio and create a new project.
    • Select "ASP.NET Core Web API" as the project template and give it a suitable name (e.g., MyBlogApi).
    • Choose a suitable .NET version and click "Create".
  2. Installing NuGet Packages:
    • Navigate to "Manage NuGet Packages..." & Search for and install the following packages
    • Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore
    • Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore.SqlServer
    • These packages provide the necessary functionalities for EF Core and its SQL Server provider.
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TAGS EntityFramework
Difference import vs directquery in power bi
PowerBI
Difference import vs directquery in power bi
Pruthvi Gohil
Mar 22, 2024

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PowerBI
DAX Tips: Year-to-Date & Year-over-Year in Power BI
Pruthvi Gohil
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Pruthvi Gohil

About the Author

Pruthvi Gohil

I'm a Software Engineer, bringing over 2+ years of experience in building web applications. My expertise lies in full-stack development, leveraging technologies like C#, ASP.NET MVC, .NET, Web APIs, Entity Framework Core, SQL Server, and Azure DevOps. I'm also proficient in JavaScript, jQuery, and Java, offering a well-rounded skillset for tackling complex software challenges.

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