5 reasons why a simple C# extension method beats AutoMapper most of the time: 𝟭. 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 Write what you need, and only what you need. Extension methods allow for precise mapping without additional configuration overhead. 𝟮. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 No reflection, no hidden costs. Direct mapping ensures optimal runtime performance, saving precious milliseconds. 𝟯. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 Code tells a story. When someone else reads your mapping, extension methods can be more explicit, eliminating guesswork about what gets mapped where. 𝟰. 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 It's your code. Tailor mapping logic to specific scenarios without being constrained by a library's limitations. 𝟱. 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴: Step directly into your mapping code. No need for complex debugging through AutoMapper's internals. While AutoMapper is an incredible library, sometimes the most straightforward solutions can offer more clarity and efficiency. Choose the right tool for the task at hand, and keep it simple! And if this helped, consider joining my weekly newsletter where 13,000+ software developers are becoming Senior .NET Backend Engineers. Join here: juliocasal.com/newsletter