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The repository pattern is often treated as a default in .NET data access, but it's not always the right choice. EF Core's DbContext already implements repository-like abstractions via DbSet, making an extra layer redundant for simple CRUD apps. Cases where the pattern adds unnecessary complexity include basic CRUD-only apps, small projects with few tables, performance-critical systems (risk of N+1 queries and over-fetching), microservices with minimal data needs, and reporting/analytics scenarios where raw SQL or stored procedures are more efficient. The pattern is genuinely useful for complex domain logic, multi-source aggregation, caching strategies, and unit testing in critical systems. The specification pattern is suggested as an alternative that provides reusable query logic without the overhead of a full repository.

When NOT to use the repository pattern in EF Core

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When NOT to use the repository pattern in EF Core

In my experience, I’ve always had to use the repository pattern because the basic idea in companies is to start with a small raw project, but then, as you expand the logic, the program becomes larger, and therefore implementing this pattern becomes mandatory. So yes, it’s superfluous if you make a small program at home for your own project; otherwise, in a company, you end up with software written with eight different patterns after a year of development.

I tend to always use it when dealing with EF Core, mostly as you say as it makes unit testing easier. But in some applications you probably are right it is overkill