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NET Core 6 Entity Framework Database First Example Tutorial

Kenneth Jul 13, 2026

Diving into the world of .NET Core 6 and Entity Framework, let's explore a Database First approach. This method, contrary to Code First, begins by creating your models based on your existing database. Today, we'll guide you through a step-by-step process to create a clean and efficient data model using .NET Core 6 and the Entity Framework.

#dotnet #entityframework #efcore #aspnetcore #backenddevelopment #softwareengineering #webdevelopment #programmingconcepts #techlearning #developercommunity | Sagar Saini
#dotnet #entityframework #efcore #aspnetcore #backenddevelopment #softwareengineering #webdevelopment #programmingconcepts #techlearning #developercommunity | Sagar Saini

The Database First approach can be particularly useful when your database schema is already established and well-defined, or when you're working with a team that prefers a more traditional database-driven approach.

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

Setting Up the Project and Database Context

First, let's create a new .NET Core Console Application. Once the project is created, we'll install the `Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore.SqlServer` and `Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore_tools` packages to enable our project to communicate with a SQL Server database.

Introduction to Entity Framework Core - The Engineering Projects
Introduction to Entity Framework Core - The Engineering Projects

Next, create a new `DBContext` class, which will serve as our main entry point to interact with our database. Here, we'll define our DbSets and specify the model classes that map to the tables in our database.

Configuring the DbContext

.Net Framework
.Net Framework

In your `DBContext` class, use the `OnModelCreating` method to configure your models. For instance, you might have a `Blog` model that corresponds to a `Blogs` table. Here you can set up relationships, key properties, and other model-specific configurations.

Public properties in your `DbSet` will correspond to tables in your database. You can navigate properties in the DbSet to access related entities, such as `DbSet.Posts.ToListAsync()` to retrieve all posts from the database.

Enabling Migrations

Yardstick vs. .Net Core vs .NET Framework – Which One to Choose?
Yardstick vs. .Net Core vs .NET Framework – Which One to Choose?

Using the Entity Framework Core tools, we can enable migrations. Run the `Add-Migration` command to create an initial migration based on your `DBContext`. This command will create a new folder named `Migrations` and generate a new `Up` and `Down` method for applying and reversing changes, respectively.

After creating your migration, apply it to the database using the `Update-Database` command. This will create the corresponding tables in your database based on your model configurations.

Exploring Database-First Models

Saeed Esmaeelinejad on LinkedIn: #entityframeworkcore #ef #dotnet #csharp | 30 comments
Saeed Esmaeelinejad on LinkedIn: #entityframeworkcore #ef #dotnet #csharp | 30 comments

Now, let's generate a model based on an existing database table. If you already have an existing database, fear not; Entity Framework Core can still generate models for you.

Using the `Scaffold-DbContext` command, Entity Framework will generate a new `DBContext` class and corresponding models based on the given connection string and tables. Let's say you have a database with a `Blogs` table; running `Scaffold-DbContext "Data Source=(localdb)\mssqllocaldb;Initial Catalog=myBlogDatabase;Integrated Security=True"Blogging Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore SqlServer` will create a `BloggingContext` and a `Blog.cs` model.

Database
Database
Data - INTERSECT in SQL keeps only the rows that appear in both result sets.  Think of it as finding the overlap between two SELECT queries.  Use it when you want to compare two lists and return only the common records.  Simple rule: Both SELECT queries must return the same number of columns, in the same order, with compatible data types.  Great for: Finding matching products Comparing customer lists Checking shared records between tables Finding common results without writing a JOIN  Save this for your SQL revision.  #SQL #SQLServer #Database #DataAnalytics #DataDrivenInsights | Facebook
Data - INTERSECT in SQL keeps only the rows that appear in both result sets. Think of it as finding the overlap between two SELECT queries. Use it when you want to compare two lists and return only the common records. Simple rule: Both SELECT queries must return the same number of columns, in the same order, with compatible data types. Great for: Finding matching products Comparing customer lists Checking shared records between tables Finding common results without writing a JOIN Save this for your SQL revision. #SQL #SQLServer #Database #DataAnalytics #DataDrivenInsights | Facebook
a diagram with different types of data
a diagram with different types of data
Define Normalization in Database.
Define Normalization in Database.
List of VB.Net Projects with Source Code Free Download
List of VB.Net Projects with Source Code Free Download
Database First Steps - Access 101 - Create your first database
Database First Steps - Access 101 - Create your first database
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the css heat sheet is shown in pink and white, with text below it
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different types of data structures are shown in this poster, which shows the structure and function of
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a diagram showing the different types of words and numbers in each language, including one that is

Understanding the Scaffolded Code

The `Blog` class generated will have properties that map to columns in the `Blogs` table. It will also have navigation properties for related entities, such as `Posts`, allowing you to query related data efficiently. The `BloggingContext` will have a `DbSet` property named `Blogs` that maps to the `Blogs` table.

If you prefer to customize your models, you can do so by modifying the scaffolded code while keeping the same DbSet names and property names. This allows you to benefit from the automatic mapping and conventions Entity Framework Core provides.

Running Code in Packages Separately

If you prefer to keep your models and database-related code separate from your main application, you can use a separate project. In this scenario, you would create a project specifically for your data models and `DBContext`.

With this setup, running an `Update-Database` command in your separate project will apply migrations to your database interconnected with your main project. This can help keep your code organized and maintainable.

Remember, always follow proper database security and management practices, especially when working with sensitive data.

That covers the essential aspects of using .NET Core 6 and Entity Framework for a Database First approach. Now, you're ready to create your own efficient and secure data models. Happy coding!