Strongly typed LINQ queries
Queries are written in C#, checked at compile time and automatically parameterized, which reduces errors and injection risks.
Expertise · Entity Framework Core
Entity Framework Core Development: Well-Managed .NET Data
Etixio builds the Entity Framework Core data layer of your .NET applications: an explicit model, LINQ queries, controlled migrations and performance. We build new applications, take over those that are slowing down, and prepare the data your business and AI features rely on.
Understanding the technology
Entity Framework Core in your project.
Entity Framework Core is a mapping tool between .NET objects and relational data. It makes it easier to describe the model and manipulate data from code. It does not remove the characteristics of the database: queries, indexes, transactions and data volumes still determine how the application behaves.
The benefits for your product
Why choose Entity Framework Core?
EF Core is the standard ORM for modern .NET applications, especially with ASP.NET Core. It speeds up development of the data layer while still letting you take control of the SQL.
Multiple databases
SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, Oracle or Cosmos DB, through providers maintained by Microsoft or by the database vendors.
Versioned migrations
Schema changes are described in code, reviewed like the rest of the project and applied in a controlled way to each environment.
Cross-platform
EF Core runs on Windows, Linux and macOS, in containers and on every cloud provider.
Faster than EF6
Rewritten for modern .NET, EF Core is asynchronous end to end and offers compiled queries, bulk updates and fine-grained control over entity tracking.
What we cover
The work we take on.
Modeling
Define entities, their relationships and storage constraints.
Queries
Review the generated data access and limit unnecessary loading.
Evolution
Prepare migrations, transactions and integration tests against the database.
Our EF Core expertise
What we master with Entity Framework Core.
Fundamentals
DbContext and its lifecycle, change tracking, transactions, asynchronous LINQ queries and projections.
Relationships & domain model
One-to-one, one-to-many and many-to-many relationships, foreign keys and cascade deletes, owned entities, complex types and table splitting.
Migrations & schema
Code First migrations reviewed before execution, idempotent scripts for production, indexes, constraints and custom SQL when needed.
Performance & monitoring
AsNoTracking for reads, controlled Include or split queries, compiled queries, ExecuteUpdate and ExecuteDelete, query logging without sensitive data.
We often combine EF Core with Dapper: EF Core for most operations, Dapper for a few critical analytical queries. On the database side, we work on indexes and execution plans, on SQL Server or PostgreSQL.
Our engagements
When to call on us for EF Core.
Design the data layer
An entity model aligned with the business, versioned migrations and integration tests against a real database from the start.
Fix an application that is slowing down
Identify N+1 queries, unnecessary entity tracking, excessive loading and poorly managed connections, then measure the effect of the fixes.
Migrate from EF6 or ADO.NET
Move from Entity Framework 6 or legacy data access to EF Core as part of a migration to modern .NET.
Prepare data for AI
Structure the business data that feeds document search or an assistant, while keeping the application’s access rules.
In the field
From technology to real-world use.
On a business management application, we describe the entities, their relationships and constraints. Schema changes go through migrations that are reviewed before they run. Queries are checked against representative data to avoid loading an entire dataset when a screen only displays a few pieces of information.
The choices that matter
The choices to examine before building.
Object tracking, relationship loading and generated queries can have effects that are hard to see from the code alone. We review the SQL and transactions on critical paths. Production migrations also require a deployment and rollback strategy suited to the existing data.
From work to deliverables
Delivered work your team can take over.
The scope of the engagement specifies the components to build or take over and the acceptance criteria. We prepare what is needed to understand the changes, verify them and continue the work.
- Documented data model
- Migrations and integration tests
- Data access and query analysis
Frequently asked questions
Entity Framework Core: your questions.
What is Entity Framework Core and why use it?
EF Core is the modern .NET ORM. It maps C# objects to database tables, lets you write queries in LINQ and manages schema migrations. It is the standard choice for recent .NET applications, especially with ASP.NET Core.
Is EF Core suitable for enterprise applications?
Yes. Maintained by Microsoft, cross-platform and compatible with the main databases, it is well suited to enterprise applications, provided you keep control of the generated queries, transactions and migrations.
What is the difference between EF Core and Dapper?
EF Core is a full ORM (change tracking, migrations, LINQ). Dapper is a micro-ORM that runs hand-written SQL and maps the results. The two are often combined, with EF Core for most of the work and Dapper for the most sensitive queries.
Is EF Core faster than Entity Framework 6?
Yes. EF Core was rewritten for modern .NET, with an asynchronous architecture, compiled queries and bulk operations. The actual gain depends on the application and is measured on your own user flows.
How do you optimize EF Core performance?
AsNoTracking for reads, projections to dedicated objects, controlled Include or split queries, compiled queries, bulk updates and appropriate indexes. Query logging helps identify bottlenecks.
When should you use LINQ or raw SQL with EF Core?
LINQ for most queries, thanks to strong typing and automatic parameterization. Raw SQL for complex queries, stored procedures or database-specific functions.
What are the most common problems with EF Core?
N+1 queries, unnecessary entity tracking on reads, poorly controlled lazy loading, migration conflicts and connections that are not released properly. They are fixed with appropriate Include, AsNoTracking, context pooling and regular monitoring.
Can EF Core be used for AI features?
EF Core manages the business data that feeds document search or an assistant, and some providers make it possible to store and query vectors. We integrate these features into the application with the same access and testing rules. See our AI solutions for business.
What collaboration models do you offer?
A fixed-price project for a complete data layer, a dedicated team to evolve your application over time, or a targeted engagement: performance, database design, architecture review.
Let’s talk about your technical context.
Tell us about the application, the issue to address and the known constraints. We will review the dependencies and the initial scope of work with your team.