What in-memory database providers are available for testing?
Short answer: EF Core InMemory provider: Lightweight, fast, but doesn’t mimic relational database behavior exactly (no relational constraints, transactions). Other options: SQLite in-memory mode (better relational simulation). Use InMemory for unit tests; SQLite for more realistic integration testing.
Real-world example (ShopNest)
ShopNest’s order service uses EF Core to save an Order and its line items in one SaveChangesAsync() call inside a transaction.
Say this in the interview
- Define — one clear sentence (the short answer above).
- Example — relate it to a project like ShopNest or your real work.
- Trade-off — when you would not use it.
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