Need advice about which tool to choose?Ask the StackShare community!

Entity Framework Core

427
219
+ 1
16
SQLAlchemy

1.5K
498
+ 1
7
Add tool

Entity Framework Core vs SQLAlchemy: What are the differences?

Entity Framework Core (EF Core) and SQLAlchemy are both Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) frameworks that provide a way to interact with databases in an object-oriented manner. However, there are several key differences between the two frameworks.

  1. Programming Languages and Platforms: Entity Framework Core is primarily focused on the .NET platform and supports programming languages such as C# and VB.NET. On the other hand, SQLAlchemy is mainly used with Python and supports multiple databases, including popular ones like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite.

  2. Fluent API vs. Declarative Approach: EF Core uses a fluent API approach, where developers define the database schema and relationships using method calls in code. On the contrary, SQLAlchemy follows a declarative approach, where developers define the database schema using class definitions. This allows for more concise code in SQLAlchemy.

  3. Database Support: While EF Core supports various databases, including SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and MySQL, it has limited support for NoSQL databases. SQLAlchemy, on the other hand, provides explicit support for both SQL and NoSQL databases, making it a more versatile choice for handling different types of databases.

  4. Query Generation: EF Core provides a LINQ (Language Integrated Query) querying mechanism that allows developers to write queries in a strongly-typed manner, using language constructs like lambdas. SQLAlchemy, on the other hand, supports its own querying language called "SQLAlchemy SQL Expression Language", which empowers developers to write complex queries in a more flexible and powerful way.

  5. Maturity and Community Support: Entity Framework Core is a part of the Microsoft ecosystem and has strong support from Microsoft and the .NET community. It benefits from continuous development and improvements. SQLAlchemy, being a widely-used ORM in Python, also has a vibrant community and extensive documentation, but it may not have the same level of integration and support as EF Core within the Microsoft ecosystem.

  6. Performance Considerations: EF Core has made significant advancements in terms of performance and optimization over its predecessor, Entity Framework (EF). However, SQLAlchemy is known for its performance and scalability, especially when it comes to handling large datasets. SQLAlchemy allows developers to fine-tune and optimize queries for better performance in a more granular way compared to EF Core.

In Summary, Entity Framework Core (EF Core) is primarily focused on the .NET platform and uses a fluent API approach, while SQLAlchemy is mainly used with Python, supports multiple databases, and follows a declarative approach. EF Core has better integration within the Microsoft ecosystem, while SQLAlchemy offers more versatility in terms of database support and query writing capability. SQLAlchemy is known for its performance and scalability, especially when handling large datasets.

Get Advice from developers at your company using StackShare Enterprise. Sign up for StackShare Enterprise.
Learn More
Pros of Entity Framework Core
Pros of SQLAlchemy
  • 7
    Fits very well with Microsoft technologies
  • 4
    Fast
  • 2
    Linq
  • 1
    OpenSource
  • 1
    Multiple Database provider
  • 1
    Easy to use
  • 7
    Open Source

Sign up to add or upvote prosMake informed product decisions

Cons of Entity Framework Core
Cons of SQLAlchemy
  • 1
    Dbcontext
  • 2
    Documentation

Sign up to add or upvote consMake informed product decisions

What is Entity Framework Core?

It is a lightweight, extensible, open source and cross-platform version of the popular Entity Framework data access technology. It can serve as an object-relational mapper (O/RM), enabling .NET developers to work with a database using .NET objects, and eliminating the need for most of the data-access code they usually need to write.

What is SQLAlchemy?

SQLAlchemy is the Python SQL toolkit and Object Relational Mapper that gives application developers the full power and flexibility of SQL.

Need advice about which tool to choose?Ask the StackShare community!

What companies use Entity Framework Core?
What companies use SQLAlchemy?
See which teams inside your own company are using Entity Framework Core or SQLAlchemy.
Sign up for StackShare EnterpriseLearn More

Sign up to get full access to all the companiesMake informed product decisions

What tools integrate with Entity Framework Core?
What tools integrate with SQLAlchemy?

Sign up to get full access to all the tool integrationsMake informed product decisions

What are some alternatives to Entity Framework Core and SQLAlchemy?
Entity Framework
It is an object-relational mapper that enables .NET developers to work with relational data using domain-specific objects. It eliminates the need for most of the data-access code that developers usually need to write.
NHibernate
It is a mature, open source object-relational mapper for the .NET framework. It's actively developed, fully featured and used in thousands of successful projects.
Hibernate
Hibernate is a suite of open source projects around domain models. The flagship project is Hibernate ORM, the Object Relational Mapper.
Prisma
Prisma is an open-source database toolkit. It replaces traditional ORMs and makes database access easy with an auto-generated query builder for TypeScript & Node.js.
Sequelize
Sequelize is a promise-based ORM for Node.js and io.js. It supports the dialects PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite and MSSQL and features solid transaction support, relations, read replication and more.
See all alternatives