Entity Framework Core Demo

This project is intended as a demonstration of advanced Entity Framework Core features in a .NET-based application. It's designed to help developers understand various EF Core concepts with a focus on optimizing the performance of EF Core queries.

🚀 Getting Started

Prerequisites

• .NET 9.0
• SQL Server (or compatible database)

Configuration

1. Update the connection string in your configuration:
2. The application will automatically:
   • Apply pending migrations on startup in development
   • Seed initial data if the database is empty

🏗️ Project Structure

Domain Layer

Contains the core business entities and domain logic. The project implements:

• Strong typing for entity IDs using value objects
• Domain entities like Customer, Account, and Transaction
• Soft delete functionality through ISoftDeleteEntity interface

Persistence Layer

Demonstrates advanced Entity Framework Core configurations and patterns:

• Custom value object conversions
• Soft delete implementation using query filters and interceptors
• Entity configurations using IEntityTypeConfiguration<T>
• Database seeding

Learn more here.

Web Layer

Implements a clean API structure using minimal APIs and demonstrates various query patterns:

• Grouped API endpoints for different domains (accounts, customers, marketing)
• Pagination implementation
• Various query optimization techniques
• Split query demonstrations for complex data loading

🔧 Features

Value Objects using Vogen

Value objects are immutable types that represent a concept in your domain through their values rather than their identity. They:

• Encapsulate validation logic
• Prevent primitive obsession
• Make the code more type-safe and expressive
• Ensure domain invariants are maintained

Vogen is a .NET Source Generator and analyzer that turns primitives into strongly type value objects. It has the following benefits:

1. Type Safety

   • Compile-time type checking
   • Prevention of accidental type mixing (e.g., can't mix CustomerId with AccountId)
   • Elimination of primitive obsession

2. Code Generation

   • Automatic generation of value object implementations
   • Built-in validation support
   • Clean, boilerplate-free code
   • Source generation for better performance

3. Entity Framework Core Integration

   • Seamless integration with EF Core value converters
   • Automatic conversion to/from primitive types in the database
   • Efficient storage and querying

4. DDD Alignment

   • Natural fit with Domain-Driven Design principles
   • Clear expression of domain concepts
   • Improved code maintainability and readability

Entity Framework Core Features

1. Query Filters

   • Global filters for soft delete functionality
   • Automated application through ISoftDeleteEntity interface

2. Advanced Querying

   • Split queries for performance optimization
   • Includes with ordering
   • Pagination implementation

3. Configuration

   • Fluent API configurations
   • Convention-based configuration
   • Alternate keys and constraints

📖 Additional Resources

For more information about the concepts demonstrated in this project:

• Entity Framework Core Documentation
• ASP.NET Core Documentation
• Vogen GitHub Repository
• Domain-Driven Design Fundamentals