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Master ASP NET EF Core Tutorial: Build Scalable Apps Fast

Kenneth Jul 13, 2026

Exploring ASP.NET Core and eager to dive into Entity Framework Core? You've come to the right place. ASP.NET Core provides a flexible and cross-platform framework for building modern, cloud-based, and Internet-connected apps, while Entity Framework Core (EF Core) is a lightweight, extensible, and cross-platform object-database mapping (O/RM) library. Let's embark on an engaging journey to learn and implement ASP.NET Core with EF Core.

A Step by Step Guide for ASP.NET Core Configuration
A Step by Step Guide for ASP.NET Core Configuration

In this tutorial, we'll cover the fundamentals of ASP.NET Core and EF Core, guiding you step by step through creating a comprehensive project. By the end, you'll have a solid understanding of these technologies and be equipped to build powerful web applications with precise, efficient data access.

the asp net core info sheet shows what it is like to work on an application
the asp net core info sheet shows what it is like to work on an application

Setting Up the Development Environment

Before we dive into ASP.NET Core and EF Core, ensure your development environment is set up with the necessary tools. Install the .NET Core SDK and create a new ASP.NET Core MVC project using the following command:

Tutorial: EF Core: Building an ASP.NET MVC Application using the Code-First Approach
Tutorial: EF Core: Building an ASP.NET MVC Application using the Code-First Approach

.NET Core CLI:
dotnet new mvc -n MyApp

Choosing a Database Provider

What is the difference between ASP.NET and ASP.NET Core?
What is the difference between ASP.NET and ASP.NET Core?

EF Core supports multiple database providers. For this tutorial, we'll use Microsoft SQL Server. First, install the Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore.SqlServer NuGet package:

dotnet add package Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore.SqlServer

Defining the Database Context

Filters in ASP.NET Core
Filters in ASP.NET Core

Create a new class, ApplicationDbContext.cs, which represents the database context for Entity Framework Core. This class inherits from DbContext and includes DbSet properties for each entity:

public class ApplicationDbContext : DbContext
{
    public DbSet<Blog> Blogs { get; set; }
    public DbSet<Post> Posts { get; set; }

    protected override void OnConfiguring(DbContextOptionsBuilder optionsBuilder)
    {
        optionsBuilder.UseSqlServer("Server=(localdb)\\mssqllocaldb;Database=MyAppdb;Trusted_Connection=True;");
    }
}

Creating Models and Migrations

Data Access in ASP.NET Core using EF Core (Code First)
Data Access in ASP.NET Core using EF Core (Code First)

Let's create simple Blog and Post models. Create a folder named Models and add the following classes:

public class Blog
{
    public int BlogId { get; set; }
    public string Url { get; set; }

    public List<Post> Posts { get; set; }
}

public class Post
{
    public int PostId { get; set; }
    public string Title { get; set; }
    public string Content { get; set; }

    public int BlogId { get; set; }
    public Blog Blog { get; set; }
}

Data Access in ASP.NET Core using EF Core (Database First)
Data Access in ASP.NET Core using EF Core (Database First)
Folder Structure of ASP.NET MVC Application
Folder Structure of ASP.NET MVC Application
Understanding OOPS in ASP.NET Core | MOHAMED HASIF M H posted on the topic | LinkedIn
Understanding OOPS in ASP.NET Core | MOHAMED HASIF M H posted on the topic | LinkedIn
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a web api with asp net core, net 6 0 build a web api with asp net core
a man with glasses is smiling for the camera while he stands in front of a black and yellow background
a man with glasses is smiling for the camera while he stands in front of a black and yellow background
Tutorial: Introdução ao EF Core em um aplicativo Web ASP.NET MVC
Tutorial: Introdução ao EF Core em um aplicativo Web ASP.NET MVC
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the complete asp net core q2 2016 chat sheet
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A Guide for Building Angular SPA with ASP.NET Core 5 Web API
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Entity Framework Core In 60 Minutes : Entity Framework Core Tutorial

Creating the Database

To create the database schema, use the following commands in the .NET Core CLI:

dotnet ef migrations add InitialCreate
dotnet ef database update

Using the Database Context in the Application

Register the ApplicationDbContext in Startup.cs to make it available throughout the application:

services.AddDbContext<ApplicationDbContext>(options =>
           options.UseSqlServer(Configuration.GetConnectionString("DefaultConnection")));

Now that we've covered the fundamentals of ASP.NET Core and EF Core, you can explore more advanced topics – like querying, updating, and deleting data – and build sophisticated web applications.

Happy coding, and may this tutorial serve as a cornerstone in your journey to master ASP.NET Core and Entity Framework Core!