npgsql
Npgsql is an open-source .NET data provider that enables C# applications to connect to and interact with PostgreSQL databases. It offers high performance, support for PostgreSQL-specific types, and deep Entity Framework Core integration.
Key facts
Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Repository | npgsql/npgsql |
| Owner | npgsql |
| Primary language | C# |
| License | PostgreSQL — Requires review (not clearly OSI) |
| Stars | 3.7k |
| Forks | 889 |
| Open issues | 224 |
| Latest release | v10.0.3 (2026-05-27) |
| Last updated | 2026-07-08 |
| Source | https://github.com/npgsql/npgsql |
What npgsql is
Npgsql is a managed ADO.NET provider for PostgreSQL written in C#, featuring async/await support, parameterized queries, bulk operations, multi-host failover, and comprehensive PostgreSQL type mapping including JSON, arrays, ranges, and PostGIS geometries.
Get the npgsql source
Clone the repository and explore it locally.
git clone https://github.com/npgsql/npgsql.gitcd npgsql# follow the project's README for install & configurationNeed it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.
Best use cases
Implementation considerations
- Connection string management: use NpgsqlDataSourceBuilder for modern applications; configure pooling, SSL, and failover hosts in connString or code.
- Async-first design: leverage OpenConnectionAsync and ExecuteReaderAsync for scalable server applications; synchronous calls may reduce throughput.
- PostgreSQL type awareness: map PostgreSQL types (JSON, arrays, ranges, composites) correctly in C# models to avoid runtime serialization issues.
- Parameter binding: always use @p or @param syntax to prevent SQL injection; raw string interpolation is unsafe.
- Entity Framework Core: if using EF Core, include Npgsql.EntityFrameworkCore.PostgreSQL NuGet package and configure DbContext with UseNpgsql().
When to avoid it — and what to weigh
- Non-.NET Ecosystems — Not applicable if your primary runtime is Java, Python, Node.js, Go, or other non-.NET platforms; consider language-native PostgreSQL drivers instead.
- Legacy .NET Framework Only (< .NET Core) — While Npgsql historically supported .NET Framework, evaluate version compatibility carefully; modern Npgsql assumes .NET Core or later.
- Oracle or Other SQL Databases — Npgsql is PostgreSQL-specific; switching databases requires replacing the provider and potentially rewriting PostgreSQL-specific features (ranges, JSON operators, PostGIS).
- Embedded/Offline Scenarios — Npgsql requires a live PostgreSQL server connection; if you need serverless or embedded SQL (SQLite, DuckDB), choose alternatives.
License & commercial use
PostgreSQL License (PostgreSQL Licence). This is a permissive open-source license similar to BSD, allowing modification and redistribution with minimal restrictions.
The PostgreSQL License permits commercial use, modification, and integration into proprietary applications without royalty or disclosure requirements. Requires only acknowledgment of PostgreSQL License in documentation or redistributed source. No commercial restrictions identified in the license itself; however, review your legal team's policy if bundling or redistributing Npgsql source.
DEV.co evaluation signals
Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.
| Signal | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Active |
| Documentation | Strong |
| License clarity | Clear |
| Deployment complexity | Low |
| DEV.co fit | Strong |
| Assessment confidence | High |
Npgsql supports parameterized queries (primary SQL injection mitigation). README and quickstart examples use parameter binding (@p syntax). Connection security depends on PostgreSQL server SSL/TLS configuration and connString credentials (avoid hardcoding; use environment variables, vaults, or configuration management). No known critical vulnerabilities mentioned in provided data; review release notes and CVE databases for active deployments.
Alternatives to consider
Dapper (Micro-ORM)
Lightweight micro-ORM for .NET; uses Npgsql internally but provides a thinner abstraction. Choose if you prefer minimal overhead and SQL control over full ORM features.
Entity Framework 6 (Legacy) or EF Core
Full ORM for .NET; can use Npgsql as the underlying provider. Choose for complex domain models, LINQ queries, and automatic migrations; trade-off: performance overhead vs. development speed.
Language-Specific Drivers (e.g., psycopg for Python, pg for Node.js)
If workload is polyglot or non-.NET; avoid context-switching between drivers and ensure consistency via API contract or schema versioning.
Build on npgsql with DEV.co software developers
Npgsql is production-ready and actively maintained. Start with the quickstart guide, review Entity Framework Core integration, and deploy with confidence.
Talk to DEV.coRelated open-source tools
Surfaced by semantic similarity across the DEV.co open-source index.
Related on DEV.co
Explore the category and the services that help you build with it.
npgsql FAQ
Does Npgsql support async operations?
Can I use Npgsql with Entity Framework Core?
Is Npgsql free for commercial use?
What PostgreSQL versions are supported?
Software developers & web developers for hire
Adopting npgsql is usually one piece of a larger software development effort. As a software development agency, DEV.co provides software development services and web development expertise — pairing senior software developers and web developers with your team to design, build, and operate open-source databases software in production.
Ready to connect your .NET app to PostgreSQL?
Npgsql is production-ready and actively maintained. Start with the quickstart guide, review Entity Framework Core integration, and deploy with confidence.