Entity Framework  

What Is New in Entity Framework Core 10 and Migration Steps

Introduction

Entity Framework Core (EF Core) is one of the most popular Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) frameworks used in modern .NET applications. It helps developers work with databases using C# code instead of writing complex SQL queries.

With the release of EF Core 10, Microsoft has introduced several powerful improvements that enhance performance, developer productivity, and support for modern application architectures.

In this article, we will explore what’s new in EF Core 10 and provide a step-by-step migration guide from EF Core 8 in simple, practical language.

What is Entity Framework Core?

Entity Framework Core is a lightweight, extensible, and cross-platform ORM that allows developers to:

  • Work with databases using C# objects

  • Perform CRUD operations easily

  • Use LINQ for querying

  • Manage database schema using migrations

It supports multiple databases like SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite.

What’s New in EF Core 10?

1. Improved Query Performance

EF Core 10 introduces better query optimization, especially for complex joins and nested queries.

  • Faster execution of LINQ queries

  • Reduced SQL generation overhead

  • Better handling of large datasets

Example:

var users = await context.Users
    .Where(u => u.IsActive)
    .ToListAsync();

This query now executes more efficiently compared to previous versions.

2. Enhanced JSON Column Support

EF Core 10 improves support for JSON columns in relational databases.

  • Map JSON fields directly to C# objects

  • Query inside JSON data using LINQ

Example:

public class Product
{
    public int Id { get; set; }
    public string Name { get; set; }
    public ProductDetails Details { get; set; }
}

This makes it easier to work with semi-structured data.

3. Better Bulk Updates and Deletes

EF Core 10 improves batch operations.

  • Faster bulk updates

  • Reduced database round trips

Example:

await context.Users
    .Where(u => !u.IsActive)
    .ExecuteUpdateAsync(s => s.SetProperty(u => u.IsDeleted, true));

4. Improved Migrations Experience

  • More accurate migration generation

  • Better handling of schema changes

  • Fewer breaking changes during updates

5. Interceptors and Logging Enhancements

  • More control over query execution

  • Improved diagnostics and logging

6. Better Support for Cloud-Native Apps

EF Core 10 is optimized for microservices and cloud environments:

  • Improved connection resilience

  • Better performance in distributed systems

Why Upgrade from EF Core 8?

Upgrading to EF Core 10 provides:

  • Better performance

  • Improved developer experience

  • Support for modern database features

  • Long-term support and updates

Step-by-Step Migration from EF Core 8 to EF Core 10

Step 1: Backup Your Project

Before starting migration:

  • Backup your code

  • Backup your database

This ensures safety in case of issues.

Step 2: Update .NET SDK

Ensure you are using the latest .NET version compatible with EF Core 10.

dotnet --version

Update if needed.

Step 3: Update NuGet Packages

Update EF Core packages:

dotnet add package Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore --version 10.0.0

dotnet add package Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore.SqlServer --version 10.0.0

Also update related packages like:

  • Tools

  • Design

Step 4: Update DbContext Configuration

Check your DbContext setup.

Example:

builder.Services.AddDbContext<AppDbContext>(options =>
    options.UseSqlServer(connectionString));

Ensure compatibility with new features.

Step 5: Review Breaking Changes

Check for:

  • Deprecated APIs

  • Behavior changes

Fix them accordingly.

Step 6: Update Migrations

Run:

dotnet ef migrations add UpgradeToEfCore10

dotnet ef database update

This updates your database schema.

Step 7: Test Your Application

  • Run unit tests

  • Test database operations

  • Verify performance improvements

Step 8: Optimize Using New Features

After migration:

  • Use bulk operations

  • Use JSON mapping

  • Improve queries

Common Issues During Migration

  • Package version conflicts

  • Migration errors

  • Query behavior differences

Solution:

  • Clean and rebuild project

  • Verify dependencies

  • Check logs for errors

Best Practices

  • Always test before production deployment

  • Use staging environment

  • Monitor performance after upgrade

  • Keep dependencies updated

Real-World Example

In an e-commerce application:

  • EF Core 10 improves product query speed

  • Bulk updates help manage inventory faster

  • JSON support helps store flexible product data

Conclusion

Entity Framework Core 10 brings powerful improvements in performance, flexibility, and developer experience. Migrating from EF Core 8 is straightforward if done step by step.

By upgrading, you can build faster, scalable, and modern data-driven applications using the latest capabilities of EF Core.

Start migrating today and take advantage of the improved performance and features in EF Core 10.

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