.NET 10 finally adds proper LeftJoin and RightJoin methods to LINQ, replacing the complex GroupJoin + DefaultIfEmpty pattern with clean, readable code that does exactly what it says.

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Milan Jovanović

.NET 10 introduces native LeftJoin and RightJoin methods to LINQ, eliminating the verbose GroupJoin + DefaultIfEmpty pattern previously required for left/right joins in Entity Framework Core. The new methods provide clearer intent, less code, and identical SQL output while making outer joins as straightforward as other LINQ operations. Developers can now write joins that directly express their meaning, keeping all rows from one side while matching optional rows from the other.

What's New in EF Core 10: LeftJoin and RightJoin Operators in LINQ

The Old Way ( GroupJoin + DefaultIfEmpty )

<p>Hmm does it already shipped with query syntax like <code>from a in someTable left join b in anotherTable on a.ID = b.fkID</code></p>
