What are the best collections for performance in C#?

What are the best collections for performance in C#?

The best collections for performance in C# often depend on the use case. For example, if you need fast lookups, a Dictionary<TKey, TValue> is ideal. For ordered data, consider using a List<T> or SortedList<TKey, TValue>.

Can you explain why Dictionary is better for lookups?

Certainly! A Dictionary uses a hash table internally, allowing for average O(1) time complexity for lookups, which is much faster than a List that requires O(n) time.

What about when I need to maintain order?

If maintaining order is crucial, you might want to use a List<T> for indexed access or a SortedList<TKey, TValue> if you need both order and key-value pairs.

Are there any performance trade-offs I should be aware of?

Yes, each collection has its trade-offs. For instance, while a Dictionary offers fast lookups, it consumes more memory. Lists are memory efficient but slower for lookups.