Entity Framework (EF) Core is a lightweight, extensible, and cross-platform version of Entity Framework. Currently, Microsoft has made Entity Framework Core R2 available. This coincides with the release of .NET Core RC2 and ASP.NET Core RC2.
Between RC1 and RC2, Microsoft has changed from Entity Framework 7 to Entity Framework Core 1.0. This naming helps in conveying that EF Core is a new code base which does not inherit all the features and API surface of EF6.x.
Microsoft states,
“There are a number of changes in RC2 that you need to be aware of as you move an existing RC1 application to RC2. We strongly encourage you to read our Upgrading from RC1 to RC2 article to minimize frustration during the upgrade.”
EF Core has introduced numerous improvements and new features compared with EF6.x. At the same time, it is a new code base and very much a v1 product. For this reason, EF6.x will still be the most suitable choice for many applications.
The situations where Microsoft has recommended the use of EF Core are as given below:
- New applications that do not require features that are not yet implemented in EF Core
- Applications that target .NET Core, such as Universal Windows Platform (UWP) and ASP.NET Core applications.
For all other applications, you should consider using EF6.x. EF6.x which will continue to be a supported release for quite some time.
Microsoft states,
“Because of the fundamental changes in EF Core we do not recommend attempting to move an EF6.x application to EF Core unless you have a compelling reason to make the change. If you want to move to EF Core to make use of new features, then make sure you are aware of its limitations before you start. You should view the move from EF6.x to EF Core as a port rather than an upgrade.”