SmartSql
A high-performance .NET data access layer inspired by MyBatis, offering XML-managed SQL, caching, read/write splitting, and dynamic repositories.
What is SmartSql?
SmartSql is a .NET data access framework inspired by MyBatis that gives developers full control over SQL through XML configuration. It solves the problem of complex, hard-to-optimize LINQ queries by allowing direct SQL management while providing features like caching, read/write splitting, and dynamic repositories to improve performance and maintainability.
.NET developers building data-intensive applications who need fine-grained SQL control, high performance, and scalable data access patterns without the overhead of traditional ORMs.
Developers choose SmartSql for its balance of SQL control and developer productivity, offering MyBatis-like flexibility in the .NET ecosystem with built-in caching, monitoring, and repository automation that outperforms raw ADO.NET approaches.
Overview
SmartSql = MyBatis in C# + .NET Core+ Cache(Memory | Redis) + R/W Splitting + PropertyChangedTrack +Dynamic Repository + InvokeSync + Diagnostics
Use Cases
Best For
- Microservices requiring optimized SQL performance and monitoring
- Applications needing complex read/write splitting configurations
- Projects migrating from Java MyBatis to .NET
- High-throughput systems where caching strategies are critical
- Teams wanting XML-based SQL management over LINQ
- Enterprise applications requiring declarative transactions and bulk operations
Not Ideal For
- Projects using Entity Framework Core for its integrated migrations and LINQ-based rapid development
- Teams that prefer keeping SQL inline with C# code using micro-ORMs like Dapper
- Applications with straightforward data access patterns where full SQL control and XML configuration add unnecessary overhead
- Developers new to XML-based SQL management who prioritize quick setup over fine-grained optimization
Pros & Cons
Pros
Centralizes SQL in XML files, allowing developers to write and optimize queries directly without LINQ abstraction layers, as highlighted in the philosophy section for absolute control.
Reduces boilerplate code by automatically implementing repository interfaces via naming conventions and integrating seamlessly with IoC containers, as shown in the DyRepository examples.
Includes memory caches (LRU, FIFO) and Redis integration with configurable policies, improving performance for high-throughput systems, as detailed in the caching section.
Offers read/write splitting, ID generation (Snowflake), and SkyWalking monitoring for diagnostics, making it suitable for microservices and enterprise environments.
Cons
Requires managing SQL in external XML files, which can be cumbersome for refactoring and less intuitive for developers accustomed to code-first or inline SQL approaches.
Involves multiple NuGet packages and tools like SmartCode for best practices, adding a non-trivial configuration burden that may slow down project onboarding.
Has a smaller community and fewer third-party integrations compared to mainstream ORMs like Entity Framework, potentially making troubleshooting and resource finding more difficult.
Open Source Alternative To
SmartSql is an open-source alternative to the following products:
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Projects
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