How to update record using entity framework core?

Question

What is the best approach to update a database table data in entity frame work core ?

1. Retrive the table row , do the changes and save
2. Use Key word Update in db context and handle exception for item not exist

What are the improved feature we can use over EF6 ?

Answer 1

To update an entity with Entity Framework Core, this is the logical process:

1. Create instance for DbContext class
2. Retrieve entity by key
3. Make changes on entity's properties
4. Save changes

Update() method in DbContext:

Begins tracking the given entity in the Modified state such that it will be updated in the database when SaveChanges() is called.

Update method doesn't save changes in database; instead, it sets states for entries in DbContext instance.

So, We can invoke Update() method before to save changes in database.

I'll assume some object definitions to answer your question:

1. Database name is Store

2. Table name is Product

Product class definition:

public class Product
{
    public int? ProductID { get; set; }
    
    public string ProductName { get; set; }
    
    public string Description { get; set; }
    
    public decimal? UnitPrice { get; set; }
}

DbContext class definition:

public class StoreDbContext : DbContext
{
    public DbSet<Product> Products { get; set; }
    
    protected override void OnConfiguring(DbContextOptionsBuilder optionsBuilder)
    {
        optionsBuilder.UseSqlServer("Your Connection String");

        base.OnConfiguring(optionsBuilder);
    }
    
    protected override void OnModelCreating(ModelBuilder modelBuilder)
    {
        modelBuilder.Entity<Order>(entity =>
        {
            // Set key for entity
            entity.HasKey(p => p.ProductID);
        });
        
        base.OnModelCreating(modelBuilder);
    }
}

Logic to update entity:

using (var context = new StoreDbContext())
{
        // Retrieve entity by id
        // Answer for question #1
        var entity = context.Products.FirstOrDefault(item => item.ProductID == id);
        
        // Validate entity is not null
        if (entity != null)
        {
            // Answer for question #2

            // Make changes on entity
            entity.UnitPrice = 49.99m;
            entity.Description = "Collector's edition";
            
            /* If the entry is being tracked, then invoking update API is not needed. 
              The API only needs to be invoked if the entry was not tracked. 
              https://www.learnentityframeworkcore.com/dbcontext/modifying-data */
            // context.Products.Update(entity);
            
            // Save changes in database
            context.SaveChanges();
        }
}