Implementation Links for Each .NET Library
Find the implementation links for each library under the relevant headings.
1- Mediator
Use Case: Implements the CQRS pattern for separating read and write operations.
Pros: Simplifies code structure, and promotes single responsibility.
According to Microsoft Docs:
CQRS stands for Command and Query Responsibility Segregation, a pattern that separates read and update operations for a data store.
Learn more about design patterns in simple explanations e.g. Facade Pattern, Null Object Pattern, Adapter Design Pattern, Decorator Pattern, Service Locator Pattern, and Repository Design Patterns
2- Dapper
Use Case: A micro-ORM for mapping database results to objects.
Pros: Lightweight, easy to use.
Trivia: You can use Entity Framework when you need a full-featured ORM with advanced capabilities like change tracking and migrations. Dapper is my first choice when I have to write lengthy SQL queries with a lot of tables and complex joins.
3- Serilog
Use Case: Logging frameworks for simple and structured logging (Serilog)
Pros: Flexible, supports various sinks (40+ sinks)
Trivia: If you require a more traditional logging framework then use NLog.
4- Bogus
Use Case: Generates fake data for testing and development.
Pros: Easy to use, customizable data generation.
Trivia: For simple applications, I would prefer to create my custom bogus implementation instead of going for a library.
5- Fluent Validation
Use Case: Validates models in a fluent interface style.
Pros: Clear syntax, easy to maintain.
Trivia: Use Data Annotations for simpler validation needs where built-in attributes suffice.
6- Refit
Use Case: Simplifying HTTP API calls in .NET applications.
Pros: Reduces boilerplate code for making HTTP requests.
Trivia: Refit under the hood use HttpClient
7- Health Checks
Use Case: Monitoring the health of applications and services
Pros: Provides a standardized way to observe the status of services, it can be integrated with monitoring tools for alerts. Additionally, it helps ensure application reliability and availability.
8,9- Hangfire and Quartz
Use Case: Background job processing.
Pros: Reliable, easy to schedule jobs, and helpful in complex scenarios.
Trivia: Use Background Services for simple use cases.
10- Noda Time
Use Case: Advanced date and time handling.
Pros: Comprehensive, handles time zones well.
Trivia: Use System.DateTime for simpler applications where advanced date-time handling is not required. BTW Jon Skeet is the owner of the Noda Time library
11- Autofac
Use Case: Dependency Injection container.
Pros: Flexible, supports advanced scenarios.
Trivia: Use Microsoft.Extensions.DependencyInjection for simpler dependency injection needs.
12- MiniProfiler
Use Case: Speed profiling of applications.
Pros: Easy to integrate, provides detailed insights.
Trivia: Use Application Insights if you need more comprehensive monitoring.
13- Mapster
Use Case: Object-to-object mapping.
Pros: Reduces boilerplate code, and improves maintainability.
Trivia: There is a big debate about mappers and custom mapping, and I have covered a few questions :
14- NSubstitute
Use Case: Mocking framework for unit testing.
Pros: Easy to set up, supports complex scenarios.
Trivia: I was a big fan of Moq but I quit because they were quietly collecting users’ data
15- System.Text.Json
Use Case: JSON serialization/deserialization.
Pros: Mature, widely used, flexible, better performant
Trivia: NewtonSoft.Json is also a good option but I prefer System.Text.Json due to better performance.
16- BenchmarkDotNet
Use Case: Speed measurement of code.
Pros: Accurate, easy to use.
Trivia: It can be overkill for simple checks.
17- Swagger
Use Case: API documentation and testing.
Pros: Interactive documentation, easy to use.
Trivia: Use Postman Desktop Application, for API testing and documentation without the need for integrated solutions.
18- SignalR
Use Case: Real-time web functionality (e.g., chat applications).
Pros: Simplifies real-time communication, and supports various transports.
Use Web Sockets, if you need a more low-level approach to real-time communication without the overhead of a framework.
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