How to change the database in ContosoUniversityCore?

Modify the connection string in appsettings.json and ensure compatibility with Entity Framework 6. You may need to adapt the SQL script or implement migrations if switching database providers.

ContosoUniversityCore vs standard ASP.NET Core templates: which is better for learning advanced patterns?

ContosoUniversityCore is superior for learning CQRS, MediatR, and feature folders, while standard templates are faster for basic CRUD apps but less illustrative of architectural patterns.

Can I replace Entity Framework 6 with Entity Framework Core in this project?

It would require significant refactoring, as the codebase is built around EF6's APIs and patterns. Possible, but not straightforward without overhauling data access layers.

How to add authentication to ContosoUniversityCore?

Integrate ASP.NET Core Identity by adding NuGet packages and configuring services in Startup.cs. The sample doesn't include this, so you'll need to implement it from scratch.

Is ContosoUniversityCore production-ready?

No, it's primarily an educational reference and lacks production features like security hardening, monitoring, and deployment scripts. Use it as a learning tool, not a boilerplate.

What are the performance costs of using MediatR in ASP.NET Core?

MediatR adds a slight overhead due to indirect dispatching, but for most web applications, the benefits in code organization and testability outweigh minimal performance impacts.

ContosoUniversityCore — ASP.NET Core Sample Application

What is ContosoUniversityCore?

ContosoUniversityCore is a sample ASP.NET Core web application that reimplements the classic Contoso University tutorial using modern architectural patterns like CQRS, MediatR, and feature folder organization. It demonstrates how to build maintainable, well-structured web applications with separation of concerns and vertical slice architecture. The project serves as a practical reference for developers transitioning to or learning ASP.NET Core with real-world patterns.

Target Audience

ASP.NET developers learning modern architectural patterns, teams adopting CQRS and vertical slices in their projects, and educators looking for a comprehensive sample application.

Value Proposition

It provides a fully working example of advanced ASP.NET Core patterns in a familiar context, making it easier to understand and apply these concepts in production applications. The use of Entity Framework 6 alongside ASP.NET Core also offers insights into integrating legacy frameworks with newer technologies.

Overview

ContosoUniversityCore is a reference implementation of the classic Contoso University sample application, rebuilt using modern ASP.NET Core patterns and practices. It serves as an educational resource for developers looking to understand architectural patterns in .NET web applications.

Key Features

CQRS and MediatR — Separates command and query responsibilities using the MediatR library for cleaner, more maintainable code.
AutoMapper — Simplifies object-to-object mapping between domain models and view models.
Feature Folders and Vertical Slices — Organizes code by feature rather than by technical layer, improving cohesion and discoverability.
HtmlTags — Provides a fluent API for generating HTML in views, enhancing readability and testability.
Entity Framework 6 — Uses the mature Entity Framework 6 ORM with ASP.NET Core, demonstrating integration with legacy frameworks.

Philosophy

The project emphasizes clean architecture, separation of concerns, and pragmatic organization through feature-based structuring, making it a valuable learning tool for real-world ASP.NET Core development.

ContosoUniversityCore

What is ContosoUniversityCore?

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