How to Connect to MySQL Using Dapper in C#/.NET Applications
For developers building .NET applications, integrating with a MySQL database often requires a data access strategy that balances performance, maintainability, and control. This is where Dapper, a micro ORM for .NET, proves to be a powerful choice. When combined with MySQL and a robust data provider like dotConnect for MySQL, Dapper enables efficient and reliable database interactions.
Dapper is known for its speed and simplicity. Unlike full-scale ORMs, it doesn’t come with a heavy abstraction layer. Instead, Dapper focuses on mapping raw SQL query results to strongly-typed C# objects with minimal overhead. This makes it ideal for scenarios where direct SQL is preferred and where performance is a concern—such as APIs, background services, or microservices.
To connect a C# application to MySQL with Dapper, developers need a data provider that supports ADO.NET. dotConnect for MySQL, developed by Devart, is a well-established provider that integrates tightly with Dapper. It supports standard ADO.NET interfaces and extends them with advanced features such as MySQL-specific optimizations, SSL encryption, and flexible connection string management.
The typical integration process includes defining your database model classes, creating a connection using dotConnect’s MySqlConnection, and using Dapper’s extension methods like Query, QueryFirstOrDefault, or Execute to run SQL queries or commands. Dapper’s support for named and anonymous parameters makes it easier to work with parameterized queries and stored procedures.
Developers who choose this combination appreciate the control it provides. They can write SQL as needed, without the risk of performance bottlenecks common in more abstracted ORM layers. Additionally, dotConnect for MySQL ensures that their connection is stable, secure, and compatible with modern MySQL features.
Overall, integrating Dapper with MySQL using dotConnect enables .NET developers to build data-driven applications that are fast, maintainable, and easy to scale. It’s a reliable approach for teams who value performance and prefer to work close to the SQL layer while still benefiting from object mapping and strong typing.
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