🤖CLR: What is POCO Class?

Entity Framework (ORM)

POCO stands for "Plain Old CLR Object". POCO is simply a regular object with no references to any specific framework and no adherence to their interfaces or constraints.

POCO classes are persistence-independent objects that work with any Entity Framework.

POCO classes enables a simple data storage mechanism and simplifies serialization and data transfer between layers.

🚩 POCO Classes are unaware of the underlying database design.

Instead of having your objects derive from specific base classes, POCO classes idiomatically define your object model.

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POCO Example in C#

class DumpTruck {
    public DumpTruck() { }
    public DumpTruck(string platenumber, double tareweight, double capacity) 
    {
        PlateNumber = platenumber;
        TareWeight = tareweight;
        Capacity = capacity;
    }

    public string PlateNumber { get; set; }
    public double TareWeight { get; set; }
    public double Capacity { get; set; }

    public override string ToString() 
    {
        return $"{PlateNumber.ToUpper()} ({TareWeight}tons): {Capacity}";
    }
}

📌 POCO is Plain Old CLR Object and it comes from POJO plain old Java Object. A POCO is a class that holds data and has no behaviours.

DTO Example in C#

class DumpTruck {
    
    public string PlateNumber { get; set; }
    public double TareWeight { get; set; }
    public double Capacity { get; set; }

}

🚨 All DTOs are POCOs, but not all POCOs are DTOs.

Benefits of using POCO

There are many benefits to using POCO classes over other types of classes. POCO classes are a great way to model your domain objects in an efficient and easy-to-use manner. Additionally, POCO classes can be easily mapped to other languages and frameworks, making them an ideal choice if you plan on using them elsewhere in your project.

🚀 One great advantage of using classes is that they can be easily tested and optimized.

All In All

With the help of this article, you should now have a better understanding of POCO classes and how they can be used in an application. Now go out there and start creating your own POCO classes!

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Hi, I’m Wajid Khan. I am trying to explain computer stuff in a simple and engaging manner, so that even non-techies can easily understand, and delivered to your inbox weekly.

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