title: Easiest way to set up/handle authentication in ASP.NET Core MVC application with database that already has users and roles
body: <p>I have a complete ASP.NET Core MVC application and a database that has users and roles already added. User registration is handled externally and I just need to provide authentication and authorization to the ASP.NET Core MVC app I am building for users already in the database.</p>
  <p>What's the best way to do that?</p>
  <p>I've tried setting up Identity and connecting it to the user/role database via Entity Framework, but it seems like overkill and the setup has been overwhelming. Any recommendations on the simplest way accomplish this?</p>
  <p>I've looked at <a href="https://stackoverflow.com/questions/32095889/mvc-authentication-easiest-way">this question</a>, but a lot of it doesn't seem to apply to ASP.NET Core MVC ...</p>
  <p>Thanks!</p>