Entity Framework (EF) and Entity Framework Core (EF Core) are both Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) frameworks, but they have key differences that impact development decisions.
1. Platforms: EF is limited to .NET Framework, while EF Core supports cross-platform development with .NET Core, .NET Standard, and .NET Framework.
2. Performance: EF Core has improved performance due to its lightweight and modular architecture compared to EF.
3. Features: EF Core lacks some features available in EF, such as lazy loading proxies, spatial data types, and hierarchy ID support. However, EF Core introduces new features like global query filters and shadow properties.
4. Extensibility: EF Core offers better extensibility through custom conventions, metadata API, and pluggable components.
5. LINQ Queries: EF Core translates more queries into SQL, reducing client-side evaluation, which improves performance.
6. Database Providers: EF Core supports fewer database providers out-of-the-box but allows for easier third-party provider integration.
These differences may influence the choice between EF and EF Core based on project requirements, platform compatibility, desired performance, and feature availability.
