Understanding Mapping with MapTo()

The MapTo<T>() method is the core feature of the NetCore.Mapper library.

It allows you to transform a source object into a new instance of a target type based on simple, automatic rules — no manual mapping configuration required.

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How it works

The transformation occurs by matching public property names and compatible types.

For example:

public class ProductDto
{
    public string Name { get; set; }
    public decimal Price { get; set; }
}

public class Product
{
    public string Name { get; set; }
    public decimal Price { get; set; }
}

var dto = new ProductDto { Name = "T-Shirt", Price = 49.90m };
var product = dto.MapTo<Product>();

In this case, product will be a new instance with the same data from dto.

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Compatible type conversion

MapTo<T>() also handles automatic type conversions, such as:

• From string to enum
• From enum to string

public class OrderDto
{
    public string Status { get; set; } // example: "Confirmed"
}

public enum OrderStatus
{
    Pending,
    Confirmed,
    Shipped
}

public class Order
{
    public OrderStatus Status { get; set; }
}

var dto = new OrderDto { Status = "Confirmed" };
var order = dto.MapTo<Order>();

The string "Confirmed" will be automatically converted to OrderStatus.Confirmed.

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Notes

• Only public properties with both get and set are considered
• The target type must have a public parameterless constructor
• Nested complex types are not mapped recursively (e.g., objects inside objects)

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Simple, direct, and functional

With MapTo<T>(), you avoid manual mapping configuration and focus on what really matters:
safely and fluently transforming data between layers of your application.