A developer explores the conversion of an ASP.NET Core application from SQL Server to Couchbase, emphasizing a comparison between SQL and NoSQL approaches at the application level. The application, initially using Entity Framework, is adapted to Couchbase, leveraging the Couchbase .NET SDK and various query techniques, including N1QL and key/value lookups, to replicate the functionality of SQL-based operations. Key aspects of this transformation include handling data retrieval by ID, expanding entities, implementing paging queries, and performing ACID transactions, highlighting the use of Couchbase's user-defined functions in place of SQL stored procedures. The document also addresses the performance considerations in transitioning to Couchbase, with basic load testing conducted to ensure comparable performance levels, and it underscores the benefits of Couchbase's scalability, availability, and schema flexibility. The conversion process aims to maintain performance while adapting to NoSQL's unique features, suggesting that Couchbase can host a relational data model without immediate changes and offering potential for further optimization and scaling.