What is the default loading behavior in EF Core?

Short answer: By default, EF Core uses no automatic loading — it doesn’t lazy-load or eager-load relationships unless you: Use .Include() for eager loading Enable lazy loading proxies Use .Load() for explicit loading This default avoids unintended queries and promotes performance control. EF Core LINQ Queries & Querying

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.