Entity Framework Core is an object-relational mapper that enables developers to interact with database systems using strongly-typed code. It serves as a comprehensive data access framework, providing a unified interface for mapping application objects to relational and non-relational database schemas while managing the lifecycle of data operations through a central context.
The project distinguishes itself through a provider-based architecture that decouples core data access logic from specific database engines, allowing for consistent interaction across diverse storage systems. It features a sophisticated query translation engine that converts language-integrated queries into optimized, database-specific commands, alongside a robust migration toolset that automates schema evolution by synchronizing the physical database structure with the application model.
Beyond its core mapping and query capabilities, the framework provides extensive tooling for database scaffolding, reverse engineering, and automated code generation. It supports complex data modeling requirements, including inheritance hierarchies, owned entity relationships, and custom mapping configurations, while offering built-in mechanisms for transaction management, concurrency control, and connection resiliency.
The framework includes comprehensive observability and testing utilities, such as command interception, operation logging, and in-memory database simulation for isolated testing. It is designed for integration with standard dependency injection containers and provides configuration hooks to customize scaffolding and migration logic.
