Best .NET Libraries for Oracle from NuGet

Integrating Oracle databases with .NET applications requires efficient and high-performance libraries. Whether you're working with ADO·NET or Entity Framework, the right NuGet package can improve connectivity, security, and performance. Below are the top NuGet packages for Oracle database connectivity in .NET applications.

ADO·NET Providers for Oracle

Oracle.ManagedDataAccess

Oracle.ManagedDataAccess is the official ODP·NET managed driver that provides direct connectivity between .NET applications and Oracle databases. It eliminates the need for an Oracle Client installation, making deployment easier.

Features:

• Fully managed ADO·NET provider for Oracle

• Supports Real Application Clusters (RAC) and Fast Connection Failover

• Works with .NET Framework and .NET Core

Installation:

Install-Package Oracle.ManagedDataAccess

Link:

https://www.nuget.org/packages/Oracle.ManagedDataAccess/

Oracle.ManagedDataAccess.Core

Oracle.ManagedDataAccess.Core is a lightweight, cross-platform version of the official ODP·NET managed driver designed for .NET Core applications.

Features:

• Optimized for .NET Core and .NET 5+

• Minimal dependencies for faster performance

• Ideal for cloud-based and microservice architectures

Installation:

Install-Package Oracle.ManagedDataAccess.Core

Link:

https://www.nuget.org/packages/Oracle.ManagedDataAccess.Core/

Devart.Data.Oracle

Devart.Data.Oracle is a high-performance third-party ADO·NET provider that offers direct database access, bypassing the need for Oracle Client software.

Features:

• Direct mode for Oracle database connectivity

• Optimized performance for high-speed transactions

• Supports SSL and SSH tunneling for secure connections

Installation:

Install-Package Devart.Data.Oracle

Link:

https://www.nuget.org/packages/Devart.Data.Oracle/

Entity Framework Providers for Oracle

Oracle.EntityFrameworkCore

Oracle.EntityFrameworkCore is the official Oracle provider for Entity Framework Core, allowing developers to use modern ORM techniques with Oracle databases.

Features:

• Full integration with Entity Framework Core

• LINQ support for querying Oracle databases

• Cross-platform compatibility with .NET Core and .NET 5+

Installation:

Install-Package Oracle.EntityFrameworkCore

Link:

https://www.nuget.org/packages/Oracle.EntityFrameworkCore/

Oracle.ManagedDataAccess.EntityFramework

Oracle.ManagedDataAccess.EntityFramework is designed for use with Entity Framework 6, offering a seamless integration of Oracle databases into traditional .NET applications.

Features:

• Optimized for EF6 with robust ORM capabilities

• Ideal for .NET Framework applications

• Enhanced query performance for large datasets

Installation:

Install-Package Oracle.ManagedDataAccess.EntityFramework

Link:

https://www.nuget.org/packages/Oracle.ManagedDataAccess.EntityFramework/

Conclusion

Choosing the right Oracle NuGet package depends on your project’s needs:

• For direct ADO·NET database connectivity, use Oracle.ManagedDataAccess or Oracle.ManagedDataAccess.Core.

• If you prefer a third-party high-performance provider, Devart.Data.Oracle offers advanced features.

• For ORM-based data access, Oracle.EntityFrameworkCore is ideal for EF Core, while Oracle.ManagedDataAccess.EntityFramework supports EF6.

Each package enhances Oracle database integration in .NET applications, streamlining development and improving performance.