Entity Framework Core is a lightweight, extensible, open-source, and cross-platform version of Microsoft's popular Entity Framework data access technology. It serves as an object-relational mapper , enabling .NET developers to interact with databases using .NET objects, thereby eliminating much of the boilerplate code typically required for data access. EF Core supports multiple database engines, making it a versatile choice for various applications. Key Features and Functionality: - Cross-Platform Support: EF Core runs on .NET Core, allowing applications to operate seamlessly across different operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. - Modular and Lightweight: Designed with a modular architecture, EF Core provides only the necessary components for object-relational mapping, with the flexibility to extend functionality as needed. - LINQ Integration: Developers can utilize Language Integrated Query to perform database operations, enabling expressive and type-safe queries directly within C# code. - Change Tracking: EF Core automatically tracks changes made to entities, simplifying the process of updating the database with modified data. - Migrations: The framework supports code-based migrations, facilitating the evolution of the database schema alongside the application's data model. - Lazy Loading: EF Core provides lazy loading capabilities, allowing related data to be loaded from the database only when explicitly requested, which can improve application performance by fetching only the necessary data. - Support for Multiple Database Providers: EF Core is compatible with various database engines, including SQL Server, SQLite, PostgreSQL, and more, offering flexibility in database selection. Primary Value and Problem Solved: EF Core streamlines data access in .NET applications by abstracting the complexities of database interactions. It allows developers to work with databases using object-oriented principles, reducing the need for extensive data-access code. This abstraction enhances developer productivity, ensures type safety through LINQ queries, and provides a consistent approach to data access across different platforms and database systems. By managing tasks such as change tracking and migrations, EF Core enables developers to focus more on business logic rather than the intricacies of database operations.