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Entity Framework Core VS Dapper

Compare Entity Framework Core VS Dapper and see what are their differences

Entity Framework Core logo Entity Framework Core

Application and Data, Data Stores, and Object Relational Mapper (ORM)

Dapper logo Dapper

Dapper is a user-friendly object mapper for the .NET framework.
  • Entity Framework Core Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-27
  • Dapper Landing page
    Landing page //
    2024-09-11

Entity Framework Core features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Support
    Entity Framework Core is built to work across multiple platforms, allowing developers to build applications for Windows, Linux, and macOS with the same data access layer.
  • Code-First Approach
    Entity Framework Core supports a code-first approach, enabling developers to define their model using C# classes and then generate a database schema from these models. This is particularly useful for agile development and domain-driven design.
  • Rich LINQ Support
    It provides robust LINQ support, allowing developers to write queries in a type-safe manner while leveraging the full expressive power of LINQ for querying databases.
  • Performance Improvements
    Compared to its predecessor, Entity Framework Core has several performance enhancements, including optimized query compilation and reduced memory allocations.
  • Migration Support
    It includes a migrations feature that enables developers to evolve the database schema over time without losing existing data, allowing for smooth iterative development.

Possible disadvantages of Entity Framework Core

  • Limited Features Compared to EF6
    Entity Framework Core, while improving over time, still lacks some features that were available in Entity Framework 6, such as automatic lazy loading and certain advanced data modeling capabilities.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    For developers who are new to ORMs or coming from other database management techniques, getting accustomed to all features and configurations in Entity Framework Core can be challenging.
  • Complex Configuration
    Sometimes configuring Entity Framework Core, especially for complex applications requiring detailed customizations, can lead to increased complexity and overhead.
  • Dependency on .NET Core Ecosystem
    Entity Framework Core is tightly coupled with the .NET Core ecosystem, which might require additional considerations or adjustments for projects not initially developed in this environment.
  • Community and Documentation Maturity
    Though growing, the community support and documentation may not be as mature as some more established ORM solutions, occasionally leading to difficulties in finding help or examples.

Dapper features and specs

  • Performance
    Dapper is known for its high performance as it uses raw SQL queries and maps results directly to objects, which reduces the overhead of ORM frameworks.
  • Lightweight
    It is a micro ORM and thus does not add significant weight to the application. It only requires a single DLL, which is simple to integrate.
  • Flexibility
    Dapper provides the flexibility to write complex queries and take full advantage of SQL features, performing tasks that are cumbersome with full ORMs.
  • Easy Mapping
    Allows easy mapping of data from the database to C# objects, helping developers handle the conversion between the two seamlessly.
  • Open Source and Support
    Dapper is open-source and has a strong community support with regular updates and a wealth of resources available for learning and troubleshooting.

Possible disadvantages of Dapper

  • Lack of Built-in Features
    As a micro ORM, Dapper lacks some of the advanced features present in full-featured ORMs like Entity Framework, such as change tracking and full LINQ support.
  • Manual SQL Queries
    Developers need to write SQL queries manually, which can increase the risk of SQL injection and bugs if not handled carefully.
  • No Automatic Migration
    Unlike some ORMs, Dapper does not offer automatic database migration capabilities, requiring developers to handle schema changes separately.
  • Limited Database Support
    While Dapper supports many popular databases, it may not support niche databases or specific features that are easily managed by other ORMs.

Entity Framework Core videos

Getting the best out of Entity Framework Core - Jon P Smith

More videos:

  • Review - Entity Framework Core 5.0: The Next Generation for Data Access

Dapper videos

DAPPER FRAGRANCES REVIEW... NOT SPONSORED!

More videos:

  • Review - Dapper Cigar Co Cubo Sumatra Robusto Cigar Review
  • Review - BladeHQ / Vox Dapper - Quick Review
  • Review - Dapper Cigar Co. Desavlido Cigar Review
  • Review - Sharp and Dapper most comprehensive Review Ever. Sharp and Dapper Shirt Stays.
  • Review - VIRAL Fragrance DUPES Bianco Latte and Escapade Gourmande | Dapper Fragrances

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Entity Framework Core and Dapper)
Web Frameworks
33 33%
67% 67
Developer Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Development
30 30%
70% 70
Application And Data
31 31%
69% 69

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Entity Framework Core and Dapper

Entity Framework Core Reviews

We have no reviews of Entity Framework Core yet.
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Dapper Reviews

Essential .NET Core Libraries that Every Programmer should know
Dapper is another .NET Core mapping library focusing on the mapping between the programming language and database.
Source: positiwise.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Entity Framework Core should be more popular than Dapper. It has been mentiond 42 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Entity Framework Core mentions (42)

  • EF Core Database/Tables exists
    Learn how to determine if a database exists and if the required tables exist, which can be used in an application or a dotnet tool using EF Core. - Source: dev.to / 2 months ago
  • .NET Learning Notes: EFCore(Entity Framework)
    什么是ORM: Https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/ef/core/. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • Storing passwords safely (C#)
    Learn and easy way to stored passwords in a SQL-Server database table using an NuGet package BCrypt.Net-Next and Microsoft EF Core using a value converter. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • Essential .NET Libraries Every Developer Should Know
    Entity Framework Core (EF Core) is an ORM (Object-Relational Mapper) for .NET. It allows you to work with databases using .NET objects. - Source: dev.to / 7 months ago
  • Introduction to Object-Relational Mappers (ORMs)
    Documentation: Entity Framework Core Documentation. - Source: dev.to / 9 months ago
View more

Dapper mentions (8)

  • Guys, where do you shop for reasonably priced everyday office shoes?
    I've also heard good things about Thursday but never pulled the trigger. I tend to like Timberland boots, and while they aren't the most long-lasting, they are comfortable and can be had for very cheap if you wait for sales. I also have a pair of Banana Republic boots that I bought in a pinch a few years ago that have held up remarkably well and are super comfy. But Banana has gone through several revamps since... Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Fashion advice for men
    Dappered.com They focus on budget friendly mens fashion beginner stuff. The most helpful is that they'll point out sales, but then give you direct recommendations on what to buy so you're not overwhelmed with choices. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Help with wardrobe to look older and clothing that is more durable?
    The only general advice I would give is to start on dappered.com. They target clothes beginners with quality affordable brands and will tell you exactly what to buy when there's a sale. You can also go to styleforum.net. Browse through their daily fit pics threads and just kind of take a note when someone looks good and what you like about it. Source: about 2 years ago
  • affordable men's fashion recommendations??
    Dappered.com if you're in the US. Their whole thing is affordable fashion for beginners. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Trying to dress like an adult. Help?
    Dappered.com They cover low cost mens fashion. Often when they post about a sale, they'll give you specific suggestions on what to buy. Source: about 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Entity Framework Core and Dapper, you can also consider the following products

NHibernate - The official NHibernate community site. Download NHibernate. Read blogs. Contribute to the NHibernate Wiki. Find reference documentation.

Mikro orm - TypeScript ORM for Node.js based on Data Mapper, Unit of Work and Identity Map patterns.

Actix - Rust's powerful actor system and most fun web framework

Hibernate - Hibernate an open source Java persistence framework project.

Visual Studio Community - Try our free, fully-featured, and extensible IDE for creating modern developer apps for Windows, Android, & iOS. Download Community for free today!

Beego - Beego Web is official blog and documentation website for beego app web framework