Coding

5 Best Free and Open Source C# Object-Relational Mapping Software

Last Updated on May 28, 2022

Object–relational mapping (ORM) is a programming technique for converting data between incompatible type systems using object-oriented programming languages. This creates, in effect, a “virtual object database” that can be used from within the programming language.

In essence, ORM is a design pattern for converting (wrapping) that data stored within a relational database into an object that can be used within an object oriented language. It creates a layer between the language and the database, helping programmers work with data without the OOP paradigm.

Compared to traditional techniques of exchange between an object-oriented language and a relational database, ORM often reduces the amount of code that needs to be written. It standardizes interfaces reducing boilerplate and speeding development time. Advocates of ORMs claim they increase productivity, improve application design, reuse code and maintain the application over time. On the other hand, ORM suffers the disadvantage of the abstraction obscuring what’s happening in the code. And over-use of ORM software can produce poorly designed databases.

There is a good range of ORM software available. Here’s our recommendations captured in a legendary ratings chart.

Best Free and Open Source C# Object Relational Mapping

Let’s explore the 5 ORM tools for .NET. For each program we have compiled its own portal page, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, together with links to relevant resources.

C# Object-Relational Mapping Software
DapperSimple object mapper for .NET
Entity Framework CoreModern object-database mapper for .NET.
NHibernateMature, open source object-relational mapper for .NET
RepoDBHybrid ORM library for .NET
VenflowFast and lightweight ORM for PostgreSQL
Best Free and Open Source SoftwareRead our complete collection of recommended free and open source software. Our curated compilation covers all categories of software.

The software collection forms part of our series of informative articles for Linux enthusiasts. There are hundreds of in-depth reviews, open source alternatives to proprietary software from large corporations like Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk.

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