EF Core 11: Vector Search, Smarter LINQ, and a Friendlier dotnet ef

The dotnet session walks through changes to EF Core 11’s query support, data modeling, and developer tooling, including considerations for teams planning an upgrade.

Query and search improvements

The session covers several changes to how EF Core queries data:

• SQL Server search: Approximate vector search and full-text search support.
• LINQ operators: New operators such as FullJoin, MaxBy, and MinBy.
• Generated SQL: Query pipeline improvements that produce leaner SQL.

Data modeling and Cosmos DB

Modeling updates focus on complex types and JSON. The session also covers bulk and batch support for Cosmos DB.

Simpler command-line workflows

The dotnet ef tooling changes aim to reduce the setup and steps needed for common development tasks. Topics include configuration files, file-based apps, and one-step migrations.

The session also discusses what to watch for when upgrading to EF Core 11.