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This course now features Coursera Coach!

A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course.

Master Entity Framework Core and build efficient data-driven applications with this comprehensive course. You'll learn how to set up your environment, create and manage data models, interact with databases, and optimize performance using EF Core’s powerful features. Whether you're new to EF Core or looking to refine your skills, this course will guide you through essential concepts and advanced techniques.

You'll start with the fundamentals, including installing the necessary tools, setting up projects in Visual Studio, and understanding the database context. Then, you'll dive into querying data using LINQ, tracking changes, and performing CRUD operations. You'll explore database migrations, relationships, and data manipulation strategies to ensure seamless integration with your applications.

As you progress, you'll work with raw SQL, stored procedures, and ASP.NET Core integration, gaining practical insights into EF Core’s advanced capabilities. You'll also cover performance optimization techniques, data validation, concurrency handling, and transaction management. These lessons will equip you with the knowledge to handle complex real-world scenarios.

This course is ideal for developers, software engineers, and database administrators looking to enhance their .NET data access skills. A basic understanding of C# and relational databases is recommended but not required. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, this course will help you harness the full potential of Entity Framework Core.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
In this module, we will introduce Entity Framework Core, its role in modern .NET development, and why it simplifies database interactions. We will also outline the key topics covered in this course, providing a solid foundation for your learning journey.
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Career center

Learners who complete Entity Framework Core - A Full Tour will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Backend Developer
A Backend Developer is responsible for building and maintaining the server-side logic, databases, and APIs that power applications, focusing on data storage, security, and performance. Mastering Entity Framework Core is paramount for a Backend Developer working within the .NET environment. This "Full Tour" course directly addresses all core competencies by teaching how to interact with databases, manage data models, and optimize performance. Specific modules like "Using Entity Framework Core to Query a Database," "Using Entity Framework Core to Manipulate Data," and "ASP.NET Core and EF Core" are fundamentally aligned with a Backend Developer's daily tasks, ensuring data integrity and efficient data access for any application they build.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications across various platforms. This career path involves problem-solving, coding, testing, and deployment. This course provides a comprehensive mastery of Entity Framework Core, a vital tool for building robust, data-driven applications in the .NET ecosystem. By understanding how to create and manage data models, query databases efficiently using LINQ, and perform CRUD operations, a Software Engineer can develop high-quality, performant software. The modules on performance optimization, concurrency, and ASP.NET Core integration are particularly relevant, equipping learners with the knowledge to build scalable and reliable systems, making this course ideal for aspiring Software Engineers.
ASP.NET Core Developer
An ASP NET Core Developer specializes in building modern web applications and APIs using the ASP.NET Core framework. Given that most web applications are data-driven, a strong command of data access technologies is essential. This course is exceptionally relevant for an ASP NET Core Developer, providing a comprehensive "Full Tour" of Entity Framework Core. The dedicated module, "ASP.NET Core and EF Core," directly teaches how to connect web projects to databases, scaffold models, and implement best practices for seamless integration. Mastering Entity Framework Core ensures the ability to build high-performance, scalable, and secure data layers for web applications, making this course invaluable for career success.
Application Developer
An Application Developer focuses on creating, testing, and deploying specific software applications, often for line-of-business or enterprise use. This role requires strong skills in building functional and efficient data access layers. This course on Entity Framework Core is exceptionally well-suited for an Application Developer, as it comprehensively covers how to build sophisticated data-driven applications. Learners will gain proficiency in setting up projects, defining data models, performing CRUD operations, and handling database changes through migrations. The focus on integrating Entity Framework Core with ASP.NET Core further solidifies its relevance, providing the practical skills needed to develop robust and seamless application experiences.
Consultant Software Engineer
A Consultant Software Engineer provides expert advice and hands-on development services to clients on specific software engineering challenges and projects, often working across diverse technical stacks. For a consultant specializing in the .NET ecosystem, mastering Entity Framework Core is an invaluable asset. This comprehensive course equips a Consultant Software Engineer with the detailed knowledge required to design, implement, and optimize data-driven solutions for clients. The ability to handle complex data models, migrations, performance optimization, and ASP.NET Core integration ensures they can effectively address various client requirements and deliver robust, efficient software.
Database Developer
A Database Developer specializes in designing, implementing, and maintaining database systems, including creating schemas, writing efficient queries, and developing stored procedures. This course offers significant value to a Database Developer by providing a deep understanding of how applications interact with databases via an Object-Relational Mapper like Entity Framework Core. While not solely focused on database administration, modules covering "Handling Database Changes and Migrations," "Interacting With Related Records," and "Working With Raw SQL, Views and Stored Procedures" directly enhance a Database Developer's ability to collaborate with application teams and optimize database performance from an application's perspective.
Software Architect
A Software Architect defines the high-level design and structure of software systems, setting technical standards, selecting technologies, and ensuring scalability and maintainability. A deep understanding of data access patterns and technologies is paramount for this role. This course provides a comprehensive "Full Tour" of Entity Framework Core, equipping a Software Architect with detailed knowledge of its capabilities, performance characteristics, and integration patterns. This understanding is crucial for making informed architectural decisions regarding data persistence strategies, database interactions, and overall system design within the .NET ecosystem.
Full-Stack Developer
A Full Stack Developer possesses expertise in both front-end and back-end development, handling everything from user interfaces to server-side logic and database interactions. For the backend aspect of a full stack role, particularly in the .NET ecosystem, mastering Entity Framework Core is indispensable. This course empowers a Full Stack Developer to confidently build the data access layer of any application, teaching how to define data models, perform CRUD operations, manage database migrations, and optimize data interactions. The module on "ASP.NET Core and EF Core" provides crucial insights into integrating the data layer seamlessly with web applications, ensuring cohesive development across the stack.
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator is responsible for the installation, configuration, maintenance, and performance of database systems, ensuring data integrity and availability. While the role focuses on the database itself, understanding how applications interact with it is key. This course on Entity Framework Core offers a Database Administrator a valuable perspective from the application side. Modules such as "Handling Database Changes and Migrations," "Interacting With Related Records," and "Working With Raw SQL, Views and Stored Procedures" directly relate to schema management, relationship integrity, and query execution, enhancing their ability to troubleshoot, optimize, and collaborate effectively with development teams.
Data Modeler
A Data Modeler is responsible for designing and implementing data models for databases, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and integrity across an organization's data assets. This course on Entity Framework Core is highly relevant for a Data Modeler. It directly covers defining data models, configuring relationships between entities, and understanding how these models are translated into a database schema through migrations. The course helps a Data Modeler understand the practical implications of their designs within an application's data access layer and how ORMs like Entity Framework Core manage and interact with those underlying database structures.
Data Engineer
A Data Engineer designs, builds, and maintains data pipelines and infrastructure, transforming raw data into usable formats for analysis and applications. While often associated with big data, foundational skills in managing and accessing structured data are critical. This course on Entity Framework Core is helpful for a Data Engineer, especially when dealing with transactional databases or building services that provide data to other systems within a .NET environment. The skills in data modeling, querying, manipulation, and performance optimization are directly transferable, enabling the construction of efficient data integration components and ensuring reliable data flow for downstream processes.
Performance Engineer
A Performance Engineer is dedicated to analyzing, testing, and optimizing the speed, scalability, and responsiveness of software applications and systems. This course on Entity Framework Core is highly beneficial for a Performance Engineer, particularly when focusing on data-driven .NET applications. It explicitly covers "performance optimization techniques," including advanced querying strategies, concurrency handling, and efficient data manipulation. Understanding how Entity Framework Core interacts with databases and the nuances of various query execution strategies allows a Performance Engineer to identify bottlenecks, fine-tune data access layers, and implement solutions that significantly enhance the overall efficiency and user experience of applications.
Cloud Solutions Architect
A Cloud Solutions Architect designs and oversees the implementation of scalable, secure, and resilient applications and infrastructure within cloud environments. While their scope is broad, understanding data access patterns is critical for designing robust solutions. This course on Entity Framework Core is helpful for a Cloud Solutions Architect, particularly one working with .NET-based applications destined for the cloud. The insights gained into data modeling, efficient querying, performance optimization, and database migrations are crucial for designing data strategies, selecting appropriate cloud database services, and ensuring optimal application performance in a cloud-native architecture.
Systems Integrator
A Systems Integrator designs and implements solutions that connect various disparate IT systems and applications to work cohesively. Data exchange and management are often central to these integration efforts. This course on Entity Framework Core may be useful for a Systems Integrator, particularly when integrating .NET applications that rely heavily on data. Understanding how Entity Framework Core manages data models, performs CRUD operations, and optimizes data access provides insight into the data layer of systems to be integrated, helping in designing efficient data flow, mapping strategies, and ensuring seamless connectivity between interconnected applications.
Technical Project Manager
A Technical Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and delivery of software development projects, requiring a solid understanding of the underlying technologies to effectively manage teams and stakeholders. This course on Entity Framework Core may be useful for a Technical Project Manager working with .NET development teams. While not a hands-on coding role, grasping the concepts of data modeling, database migrations, and performance considerations discussed in the course provides critical insight into project complexities, potential data-related challenges, and realistic timelines for data-driven features. This understanding facilitates better communication and risk management.

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Entity Framework Core - A Full Tour.
Foundational text on managing database schema changes in an agile environment. It introduces the concept of database refactoring, providing a catalog of patterns for safely evolving a database schema. While published in 2006, its principles remain highly relevant for anyone needing to perform incremental, low-risk database migrations as part of application development. It is often referenced in discussions about continuous delivery for databases.
This recent book directly addresses the contemporary practice of integrating database changes into DevOps pipelines. It covers automating database deployments, managing schema changes in a continuous delivery context, and the evolving role of database professionals. It's highly relevant for professionals implementing modern, automated database migration and deployment strategies.
Provides a comprehensive overview of ASP.NET Core, covering fundamental concepts like middleware, routing, and configuration. It's an excellent resource for gaining a broad understanding of the framework and is often recommended for those with some prior C# and .NET knowledge. This book is valuable as a core reference for anyone working with ASP.NET Core.
Is an excellent starting point for beginners to gain a broad understanding of C# and the .NET ecosystem. It covers fundamentals of C# programming and explores modern cross-platform development with .NET 8, including topics like ASP.NET Core, Blazor, and Entity Framework Core. Its hands-on exercises make it a useful resource for solidifying understanding and it is often recommended for those new to the language.
Provides a comprehensive view of system performance analysis and tuning across various operating systems and environments, including enterprise systems and cloud platforms. It is highly regarded in the field and is valuable as a reference for understanding the methodologies and tools used in performance optimization. It delves into the internals of systems, making it suitable for those seeking a deeper understanding beyond basic tuning techniques. This book is commonly used by industry professionals.
Provides a comprehensive methodology for planning and executing data migration projects. It covers the entire process, from initial assessment and strategy to testing and going live. The third edition is recent and incorporates updated practices and technologies relevant to contemporary migration challenges. It valuable reference for practitioners and managers involved in significant data movement efforts.
This influential book delves into the fundamental concepts and trade-offs involved in designing data systems. While not exclusively about CRUD, it provides essential context on how CRUD operations fit into larger, distributed, and scalable architectures. It's highly relevant for understanding contemporary challenges and patterns in data management.
This widely-used textbook that provides a comprehensive introduction to database systems, covering fundamental concepts of database management. It's suitable for undergraduate and graduate students and serves as a strong foundation for understanding relational databases. The book includes material for both introductory and advanced courses.
A definitive guide for Java developers, this book provides detailed insights into tuning and optimizing Java applications. It covers JVM internals, garbage collection, and threading, offering practical advice and techniques. It is considered a must-read for Java professionals and is often referenced for its in-depth coverage of Java-specific performance issues.
Provides a beginner-friendly introduction to data modeling, covering fundamental concepts, techniques, and diagramming. It includes hands-on exercises and self-tests to reinforce learning, making it suitable for high school and undergraduate students, as well as those new to the field.
This edition, updated for .NET 8, continues to provide guidance on building robust and maintainable ASP.NET Core applications with a focus on architectural patterns and principles. It's a key resource for developers aiming for well-structured projects.
Focusing on database performance, this book must-read for anyone working with MySQL. It covers essential techniques for optimizing MySQL databases, including query tuning, schema design, and leveraging features for scalability. It widely recognized resource in the database community.
A specialized book that covers advanced topics in C# generics and collections, including LINQ. It provides a deep dive into the underlying implementation and performance characteristics of these technologies.
Known for its engaging and visually rich approach, this book is ideal for beginners who prefer a less traditional learning style. It covers C# fundamentals, object-oriented programming, and even touches upon Unity game development and LINQ.
This practical guide focuses specifically on SQL queries and data manipulation, which directly relates to the Read, Update, and Delete aspects of CRUD. It provides hands-on examples and clear explanations for writing effective SQL statements. is particularly useful for those who need to work directly with relational databases and SQL.
The first volume in a series, this book offers a collection of universal data models applicable across various industries. It's a practical guide providing pre-built patterns for common business concepts like parties, products, and orders. This is an excellent reference for data modelers at all levels, particularly useful for jump-starting modeling projects.
An up-to-date reference for LINQ in C# 10, covering the latest features and enhancements. It valuable resource for developers who want to stay current with the latest LINQ capabilities.
A guide for C++ developers, this book focuses on optimizing the performance of C++ applications. It covers identifying bottlenecks, measuring performance, optimizing data structures and algorithms, and utilizing multi-core processors. It practical resource for C++ programmers aiming to improve code efficiency.
Identifies common mistakes and poor practices when working with SQL and relational databases. Understanding these antipatterns helps in writing better SQL for CRUD operations, leading to improved performance and maintainability. It's a valuable resource for developers looking to deepen their SQL knowledge.
Addresses the critical topic of security in ASP.NET Core applications. It covers common threats and how to implement countermeasures, making it vital for developers building production-ready applications. key reference for securing ASP.NET Core applications.
Focuses on building microservices with ASP.NET Core, a contemporary architectural style. It covers essential topics like containerization and communication between services. is for experienced developers interested in microservices architecture.
Praised for its engaging and less formal approach, this book great resource for beginners learning C#. It uses analogies and examples to make learning enjoyable and effective. It covers fundamental C# concepts in a clear and understandable manner.
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Offers a technical deep dive into Java performance, analyzing code at the bytecode level and providing practical optimization techniques for JVM applications. It complements Scott Oaks' book by offering a slightly different perspective and more code-centric examples. It valuable resource for experienced Java developers seeking to fine-tune their applications.
Another foundational book for software developers, 'Clean Code' emphasizes the importance of writing readable, maintainable, and testable code. While not C#-specific, the principles and practices are directly applicable and highly recommended for any C# programmer.
Explores the inner workings of database systems, including how they handle data storage, indexing, and querying. Understanding these internals provides a deeper insight into how CRUD operations are executed and how to optimize them. It's a more advanced book suitable for those who want to understand the mechanics behind databases.
This comprehensive reference book suitable for intermediate to advanced C# developers. It provides in-depth coverage of the C# language and the .NET runtime and base class library. While not a beginner's tutorial, it's an invaluable resource for deepening understanding and as a quick reference. The latest edition covers C# 12 and .NET 8.
A seminal book on the principles and practices of continuous delivery, this text includes crucial concepts applicable to database migrations as part of an automated deployment pipeline. It emphasizes the importance of automating all aspects of the release process, including database changes. While not solely focused on databases, it provides the essential DevOps context for contemporary database migration strategies.
This practical guide focuses on building Web APIs with ASP.NET Core, covering REST and GraphQL standards, Minimal APIs, and integration with databases using Entity Framework Core. It's particularly useful given the prevalence of API-led development. good resource for those concentrating on backend services.
A recent publication focusing on developing Web APIs with the latest version of ASP.NET Core. It covers various protocols and optimization techniques, making it relevant for contemporary API development.
Explores reusable data model patterns for common business structures. It helps in applying data modeling rules in an enterprise context and provides high-level models for various business areas. This valuable resource for experienced modelers and professionals looking for proven solutions to recurring modeling challenges.
Offers a practical and engaging way to learn C# by applying it to game development using the Unity engine. It's well-suited for beginners and those interested in game development, providing hands-on experience and reinforcing programming concepts through project building. The latest editions cover recent Unity versions.
A comprehensive guide specifically for building web applications with Blazor on ASP.NET Core. It covers various Blazor concepts and techniques, including integration with EF Core for data persistence and security with Identity.
Focuses on building microservices using .NET Core, which common architectural style for modern ASP.NET Core applications. It provides practical guidance on designing and implementing microservices.
Delves into the performance aspects of computer networking, particularly in the context of web browsers. It covers topics like TCP, UDP, and HTTP, explaining how network protocols impact web performance. It is essential reading for anyone involved in optimizing the delivery of web content.
Offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of C# and the .NET framework, suitable for intermediate and advanced programmers. It covers a wide range of topics, including foundational principles, object-oriented development, and various .NET technologies like ASP.NET Core and Entity Framework Core.
While not C#-specific, this book cornerstone for any software developer seeking to write high-quality code. It covers a wide range of programming practices, from design and construction to debugging and testing. Its principles are directly applicable to C# development and are crucial for writing maintainable and efficient code.
This seminal work, often referred to as the 'Gang of Four' book, foundational text on software design patterns. While not C#-specific (examples are in Smalltalk and C++), the patterns and principles are universally applicable to object-oriented programming in C#. It's essential for developers looking to write well-structured and maintainable code.
For developers focusing on web development with C#, this book is an excellent resource for learning ASP.NET Core. It provides a practical, in-depth guide to building modern web applications and services. It's suitable for those with a foundational understanding of C# and web concepts.
An approachable guide to SQL for beginners, focusing on using SQL for data analysis and storytelling. It uses PostgreSQL for examples, but the concepts are broadly applicable. is excellent for those new to databases and SQL.
Provides a collection of solutions and techniques for common SQL problems. It's a practical guide for developers looking to expand their SQL skills and handle complex queries and data manipulation tasks.
A highly recommended resource for developers looking to optimize SQL queries and improve database performance, with a focus on indexing. It provides practical insights and strategies for crafting high-performance applications.
A practical guide to using LINQ to XML, a powerful technology for querying and manipulating XML data. It covers both basic and advanced techniques, making it suitable for beginners and experienced developers alike.
Cloud migration major contemporary driver for database migrations. This handbook provides guidance on the broader process of migrating applications and data to the cloud. It includes considerations specific to database schema and data migration within a cloud transition context.
Delves into design patterns relevant to ASP.NET Core development, helping developers build more modular and scalable applications. It's a valuable resource for intermediate to advanced developers looking to improve their architectural skills.
Provides a comprehensive guide to Blazor, Microsoft's framework for building interactive client-side web UI with .NET. It's highly relevant for those interested in modern web development with ASP.NET Core. This book is valuable for developers focusing on rich client-side experiences.
Provides a foundational understanding of performance engineering principles, covering the entire software development lifecycle. It discusses performance modeling, requirements, testing, and scalability. It useful resource for gaining a broad understanding of performance engineering as a discipline.
This highly-regarded book provides essential guidelines and best practices for programming in Java. Many of the recommendations contribute to writing more efficient and performant Java code. It must-read for serious Java developers and serves as an excellent reference for writing high-quality, performant Java applications.

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