What is async/await in C#?

Can you explain what async and await mean in C#?

Sure! In C#, async and await are used to simplify asynchronous programming. They allow you to write code that runs asynchronously without blocking the main thread.

How do I use async and await in a simple example?

Here's a simple example: You can define an async method like this:

public async Task<string> GetDataAsync() {
    await Task.Delay(1000); // Simulates a delay
    return "Data retrieved!";
}

What happens if I don't use await with an async method?

If you don't use await, the method will start executing asynchronously, but the calling method won't wait for it to complete, which can lead to unexpected behavior.

Are there any performance considerations I should be aware of?

Yes, while async/await can improve responsiveness, overusing it can lead to increased complexity and potential performance overhead due to context switching.