Entity Framework Extensions EF Core Bulk Insert Optimized

The method BulkInsertOptimized is a new method introduced to our library for EF Core 8 and below. You can use it exactly like you do with the BulkInsert method:

context.BulkInsertOptimized(list);

The main difference between this method and the BulkInsert method is the BulkInsertOptimized method doesn't output value by default. In other words, it will not automatically return and set the inserted identity value or any other values after the insertion.

A key advantage of not outputting values by default is to be able to use the BulkCopy strategy directly into the destination table instead of creating a temporary table (when outputting values).

Another key benefit of the BulkInsertOptimized method is its ability to suggest improvements for optimal performance, ensuring the use of BulkCopy into the destination table.

What is the difference between BulkInsert and BulkInsertOptimized?

The BulkInsert output identity values (or any other values) by default, while the BulkInsertOptimized doesn't output any values by default.

In short, the BulkInsertOptimized is similar to doing a BulkInsert with the AutoMapOutputDirection = false option.

context.BulkInsert(customers, options => options.AutoMapOutputDirection = false); 
context.BulkInsertOptimized(customers);

Another difference is that BulkInsertOptimized provides hints and recommendations for better performance whenever something has been found.

What are the performance gains when not outputting values

Below is a benchmark showing the performance for a list of Customer with the CustomerID as an identity value:

Try it

Both are extremely fast, but the BulkInsertOptimized will always be faster due to not having to output values.

Recommendations and Performance Hints

That feature is not yet completed but is coming soon.

However, some recommendations you will be able to find will be:

• Why a BulkCopy into the destination table could not have been done
• Why you should lock the table if you can
• etc.

What is supported?

• All Entity Framework Core Version: EF Core 8, EF Core 7, EF Core 6, EF Core 5, EF Core 3, EF Core 2
• All Inheritances (TPC, TPH, TPT)
• Complex Type/Owned Entity Type
• Enum
• Value Converter (EF Core)
• And more!