NPoco
A simple micro-ORM for .NET that maps SQL query results directly to POCO objects with minimal configuration.
What is NPoco?
NPoco is a simple micro-ORM for .NET that maps SQL query results directly to plain old CLR objects (POCOs) with minimal configuration. It allows developers to write raw SQL queries while automatically handling the mapping between database columns and object properties, reducing boilerplate code. The project is a fork of PetaPoco, based on Schotime's branch, with additional features.
.NET developers who prefer writing raw SQL but want to avoid manual data mapping, and those seeking a lightweight alternative to full-featured ORMs like Entity Framework.
NPoco offers a straightforward, no-fuss approach to data access by keeping developers close to SQL while automating object mapping. It's faster to set up than heavier ORMs and provides more control than some micro-ORMs, making it ideal for projects where simplicity and performance are priorities.
Overview
Simple microORM that maps the results of a query onto a POCO object. Project based on Schotime's branch of PetaPoco
Use Cases
Best For
- Quickly mapping SQL query results to POCOs without complex configuration
- Adding lightweight data access to small or medium .NET applications
- Projects where developers prefer writing raw SQL over query builders
- Scenarios requiring a simple alternative to Entity Framework or Dapper
- Legacy projects that need a straightforward ORM with minimal overhead
- Microservices or APIs where database interactions are simple and direct
Not Ideal For
- Projects requiring advanced ORM features like lazy loading, change tracking, or automatic schema migrations
- Teams that prefer LINQ-based query builders over writing and maintaining raw SQL
- Large enterprise applications needing extensive vendor support, documentation, and frequent updates
- Scenarios where database interactions are highly complex with many-to-many relationships or inheritance mapping
Pros & Cons
Pros
Automatically maps database columns to POCO properties with case-insensitive matching, requiring no explicit configuration for basic queries, as shown in the README's User class example.
Setup involves just a connection string and POCO definitions, enabling quick database querying without complex mapping files or attributes, reducing initial overhead.
Provides full control over SQL queries, allowing developers to leverage database-specific optimizations and features directly, ideal for performance-critical scenarios.
Designed as a micro-ORM, it reduces runtime overhead and improves execution speed compared to heavier alternatives like Entity Framework, making it efficient for simple data access.
Cons
Lacks built-in support for common ORM features such as change tracking, lazy loading, or database migrations, which may require manual implementation or third-party tools.
Relies on developers writing and maintaining raw SQL, which can become error-prone and less maintainable in projects with complex queries or evolving schemas.
Documentation is provided via a wiki, which might be less comprehensive or up-to-date than official docs for larger projects, potentially increasing troubleshooting time.
As a fork of PetaPoco, it may have a smaller community and slower update cycle compared to mainstream ORMs, risking long-term support and compatibility issues.
Open Source Alternative To
NPoco is an open-source alternative to the following products:
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Projects
Entity Framework CoreEF Core is a modern object-database mapper for .NET. It supports LINQ queries, change tracking, updates, and schema migrations.
Entity Framework CoreEF Core is a modern object-database mapper for .NET. It supports LINQ queries, change tracking, updates, and schema migrations.
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