Entity Framework Extensions Column Input Expression

Description

The ColumnInputExpression allows you to choose specific properties of an entity on which you want to perform the bulk operations.

The following example inserts data to the database by specifying Name and IsActive properties using the BulkInsert operation.

using (var context = new EntityContext())
{
    context.BulkInsert(list, 
        options => options.ColumnInputExpression = c => new 
        { 
            c.Name, 
            c.IsActive 
        }
    );
}

Try it: EF Core | EF6

The key is required for operations such as BulkUpdate and BulkMerge.

using (var context = new EntityContext())
{
    List<Customer> list = context.Customers.ToList();
    list.Add(new Customer() { Name ="Customer_C", Description = "Description", IsActive = true });
            
    context.BulkMerge(list, options => 
        options.ColumnInputExpression = c => new 
        {
            c.CustomerID, 
            c.Name, 
            c.IsActive 
        }
    );
}

Try it: EF Core | EF6

  • It will insert data into Name and IsActive columns as specified in ColumnInputExpression.
  • The data in the Description property is ignored during the bulk operation.
Last updated: 2025-06-23
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