Choosing the Right Database Approach for C# and Blazor Applications

Demystifying Code-First, Database-First, EF Core, ADO.NET, and Dapper to help you pick the right tool for your next project.

Photo by benjamin lehman on Unsplash

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Big Picture: The Two Core Phases of Database Management
3. Deep Dive into the 3 Main Creation & Access Approaches
∘ A. Code-First Approach (via Entity Framework Core)
∘ B. Database-First / Scaffolding Approach (via Entity Framework Core)
∘ C. Traditional / Manual Approach (via ADO.NET)
4. The Middle Ground: Micro-ORMs (Example: Dapper)
∘ Concept: The Best of Both Worlds
∘ Pros & Cons
∘ Brief Note on the Hybrid Approach
5. Comparison Based on Key Criteria (Which One Wins?)
∘ A. Development Speed & Productivity
∘ B. System Performance & Execution Speed
∘ C. Long-term Maintainability
6. Conclusion & Practical Recommendations
∘ Closing Thoughts