Entity Framework - Correct way to check for single records before using them

Question

To get a LIST of records I normally do something along the lines of:

var efCompany = from a in _dbRiv.Company where a.CompanyId == companyFeedInfo.CompanyId sele         


        

Answer 1

You can also use

_dbRiv.Company.find(#id) 

if you are looking for a record without its included models.

Or

_dbRiv.Company.FirstOrDefault(x => x.Id == #id);

I recommend FirstOrDefault over SingleOrDefault because of the performance. With SingleOrDefault it needs to scan the entire table and make sure there is only one record with the Id. With FirstOrDefault it can simply go until it finds that id then stop. On a large table it will save you small amounts of time with each query.

Also you can use AsNoTracking to improve memory consumption if you don't need to track any changes made to the model. For instance if you are returning it via a rest request without calling save.