Code First Design
Code First Design is a software development approach where developers write the code first, often using domain-driven design principles, and then generate or evolve the database schema based on that code. It emphasizes modeling the business domain directly in code, allowing the database to be treated as a persistence detail rather than the starting point. This methodology is commonly used in object-relational mapping (ORM) frameworks to streamline database interactions and maintain consistency between the application and database layers.
Developers should use Code First Design when building applications where the business logic and domain model are complex and need to be the primary focus, such as in enterprise systems or microservices architectures. It is particularly beneficial in agile environments where requirements change frequently, as it allows for rapid iteration on the data model without manual database schema updates. This approach also reduces the risk of inconsistencies between code and database, improving maintainability and testability.