Dapper is a lightweight object-relational mapper for .NET that functions as a high-performance data access library. It operates by extending standard database connection interfaces, allowing developers to execute raw SQL queries while automating the mapping of database results to strongly-typed objects.
The library distinguishes itself through its use of runtime code generation, which creates high-performance instructions to map database rows to object properties with minimal overhead. It provides flexible data retrieval options, supporting both memory-buffered loading for speed and row-by-row streaming to minimize memory footprint. By leveraging non-blocking task patterns, it ensures that database operations remain responsive during high-latency input and output tasks.
Dapper covers a broad capability surface for database interaction, including support for parameterized queries to ensure security, atomic transaction management, and the execution of stored procedures. It handles complex data scenarios such as multi-result set parsing, bulk operations, and the mapping of related entities into nested object structures. The library is designed to be database-agnostic, maintaining compatibility with diverse database systems through standard provider abstractions.
