How do you configure mappings (table names, column names, keys) using Data Annotations vs Fluent API?

Short answer: 🧩 Data Annotations (in the entity class): [Table("Users")] public class User

Example code

{ [Key] public int Id { get; set; } [Column("UserName")] public string Name { get; set; }
} 🧠 Fluent API (in OnModelCreating): modelBuilder.Entity<User>() .ToTable("Users") .HasKey(u => u.Id); modelBuilder.Entity<User>() .Property(u => u.Name) .HasColumnName("UserName"); 📌 Fluent API is more powerful and flexible, preferred for complex configurations.

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.