Install EF Core Fast: Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide

Are you still writing raw SQL in your .NET projects? You might be losing hours every week! Let me show you how to turbocharge your development with Entity Framework Core.

What is Entity Framework Core?

A Quick Overview of EF Core

Entity Framework Core (EF Core) is Microsoft’s modern, lightweight, and cross-platform ORM (Object-Relational Mapper). It acts as a bridge between your .NET application and the database, allowing you to work with data using C# objects instead of raw SQL queries.

• ORM (Object-Relational Mapper): It maps your C# classes to database tables.
• Cross-platform: Runs on Windows, Linux, macOS.
• Productivity-friendly: Features like LINQ (Language Integrated Query) and automatic migrations make database work faster and cleaner.

Example:

using (var context = new BloggingContext())
{
    var blogs = context.Blogs.ToList();
}

Instead of writing SQL SELECT queries, you query the database using C# code.

Why Developers Choose EF Core

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works seamlessly with .NET Core and .NET 5/6/7+.
• Migrations: Effortlessly update your database schema.
• LINQ Support: Write readable, maintainable queries.
• Performance: Significant improvements over older versions.
• Community & Microsoft Support: Continuous updates and a vibrant developer community.

If you value maintainability and speed, EF Core is your best friend.

Prerequisites Before Installation

Install .NET SDK

Before diving into EF Core, ensure that the .NET SDK is installed:

• Check:

dotnet --version

• Download: Download .NET SDK

Setting Up an IDE

While you can technically use any text editor, I recommend:

• Visual Studio 2022+ (best tooling support)
• Visual Studio Code (lightweight and extensible)
• JetBrains Rider (cross-platform with powerful features)

Tip: Ensure your IDE has C# and NuGet extension support.

Verify System Requirements

• OS: Windows, macOS, or Linux
• .NET SDK 6.0 or newer recommended
• Stable internet connection for package downloads

How to Install Entity Framework Core

Creating a New .NET Project

Let’s create a fresh console app:

dotnet new console -n EfCoreDemo
cd EfCoreDemo

This creates a new project folder with basic setup.

Adding EF Core Packages

Add EF Core using NuGet CLI:

dotnet add package Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore

Alternatively, use Visual Studio:

• Right-click project > Manage NuGet Packages > Search “Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore” > Install

Installing Provider Packages

Choose your database provider:

• SQL Server:

dotnet add package Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore.SqlServer

• SQLite:

dotnet add package Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore.Sqlite

• PostgreSQL:

dotnet add package Npgsql.EntityFrameworkCore.PostgreSQL

Tip: Install the matching provider tools for better migration experience.

Initial Configuration and First Run

Setting Up DbContext

Create a new class BloggingContext.cs:

public class BloggingContext : DbContext
{
    public DbSet<Blog> Blogs { get; set; }

    protected override void OnConfiguring(DbContextOptionsBuilder options)
        => options.UseSqlServer("Your_Connection_String");
}

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

This class configures the database connection and maps your Blog class to a database table.

Running First Migration

Run this in terminal:

dotnet ef migrations add InitialCreate

Then apply the migration:

dotnet ef database update

Voilà! Your database is ready.

Testing the Installation

Add some data in Program.cs:

using (var db = new BloggingContext())
{
    db.Blogs.Add(new Blog { Url = "https://myblog.com" });
    db.SaveChanges();
}

Run your app:

dotnet run

Check your database to see the new entry!

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Version Compatibility

Make sure EF Core version matches your .NET SDK:

• .NET 6 => EF Core 6
• .NET 7 => EF Core 7

Check versions:

dotnet list package

Restore Errors

If you get restore errors, try:

dotnet restore

Ensure your nuget.config is properly set up.

Connection Problems

• Validate your connection string.
• Ensure database server is running.
• Check firewall and network settings.

FAQ: Your Quick Answers About EF Core Installation

Conclusion: Get Started with EF Core Today!

You’ve just walked through the essential steps to install and run Entity Framework Core. From setting up your environment to running your first migration, you now have a solid foundation to build robust, database-driven .NET applications.

Don’t stop here—explore advanced EF Core features and watch your productivity soar. Have questions or stuck somewhere? Drop a comment below and let’s tackle it together!