How to seed data conditionally depending on environment?

Short answer: Use IHostingEnvironment or config flags inside the DbContext OnModelCreating or after migration. Separate seed classes or methods per environment. Use EF Core’s HasData method or custom seed logic at runtime.

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

1. Define — one clear sentence (the short answer above).
2. Example — relate it to a project like ShopNest or your real work.
3. Trade-off — when you would not use it.