𝗘𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝘇𝘆 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴

In 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗲, how and when related data is fetched matters — that’s where 𝗘𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 and 𝗟𝗮𝘇𝘆 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 come in.

𝗘𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 means related data is loaded immediately with the main entity using .Include().

👉 Example:

var products = _context.Products.Include(p => p.Category).ToList();

It’s like ordering a meal combo — you get the burger, fries, and drink together in one go.

𝗟𝗮𝘇𝘆 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 means related data is loaded only when accessed.

👉 Example:

Console.WriteLine(product.Category.Name);

It’s like ordering dessert only if you still feel hungry after your meal.

Choosing the right approach improves performance, database efficiency, and overall application responsiveness.

Which approach do you prefer in your real-world projects — Eager Loading for speed or Lazy Loading for flexibility?