Entity Framework Core is an open-source, lightweight, and extensible version of the popular Entity Framework data access technology. It allows developers to work with databases using .NET objects, making it easier to manage data in applications. With support for various database providers, it simplifies the process of querying and updating data. This framework uses a code-first approach, enabling developers to define their data models using C# classes. It automatically generates the underlying database schema based on these models, streamlining the development process. Additionally, Entity Framework Core supports features like migrations, which help manage changes to the database over time.