What is the method used to integrate Sitecore with external databases?

The integration of Sitecore with external databases is primarily achieved through data providers or custom connectors. This method allows Sitecore to interact seamlessly with various types of databases, enabling the application to retrieve, manipulate, and store data efficiently.

Data providers serve as intermediaries, allowing Sitecore to abstract the underlying data layer and providing a consistent interface to work with different data sources. Custom connectors can be developed to meet specific integration requirements, ensuring flexibility and scalability in how Sitecore interacts with external systems.

Using manual data entry can lead to inconsistencies and is not practical for real-time integration scenarios, making it an inefficient choice for integrating Sitecore with external databases. Similarly, while .NET data access patterns are useful for programming within a .NET application, they do not provide a direct method for integrating Sitecore with external databases in a scalable manner. Exporting data in CSV format is typically useful for data migration or batch processing, but it does not facilitate real-time integration or ongoing synchronization between Sitecore and external databases.

Therefore, the method involving data providers or custom connectors stands out as the most effective and robust means of integration for dynamic interactions with external databases.