Entity Framework makes data access in .NET applications as easy as defining some classes, adding a connection string, and writing some LINQ statements. But listen to developers and database administrators and you will find that taking the naive approach leads to poor performance, bloated databases, elaborate workarounds, and general dissatisfaction with the technology.

It doesn't have to be this way! Behind the simple facade, Entity Framework gives us multiple options for tuning our data access and improving performance. In this talk, you will learn configuration options and access patterns that can help improve performance. You will also learn what features in Entity Framework to use judiciously or avoid entirely. Next, you will learn some strategies for structuring your database in ways that both improve performance and simplify your application code. Lastly, you will learn some tipping points about when you should discard Entity Framework entirely.