When building .NET applications that interact with MySQL databases, Dapper provides a simple and efficient method for data access. Think of Dapper as a helpful intermediary that allows your C# code to communicate directly with your MySQL database using standard SQL queries, find more in this article. 

To connect your C# application to MySQL using Dapper, you still rely on the standard connection tools provided for MySQL. Dapper then adds a layer of convenience, offering easy ways to execute your SQL queries. You write the SQL commands yourself, and Dapper takes the results and neatly arranges them into a format that your C# code can easily work with. It automatically matches the data from the database to the structure of your C# objects.

For example, if you have a table in your MySQL database containing product information, you can write a SQL query to fetch all the product names and prices. Dapper will then take this data and present it to your C# application in a clear and usable format.

Besides the standard MySQL connection tools, there's an alternative called dotConnect for MySQL. This is another way for your C# application to establish a connection with your MySQL database. Dapper is also designed to work well with dotConnect. If you choose to use dotConnect, Dapper can seamlessly integrate with it, potentially offering access to some unique features or different ways of managing the database communication.

In essence, Dapper offers a direct and uncomplicated way for your C# applications to interact with MySQL databases. It allows you to write standard SQL and then simplifies the process of getting the data back into your application in an organized and easily accessible manner. It's a fast and lightweight approach that gives you precise control over your database interactions.