What are some common mistakes to avoid when using LINQ in C#?

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using LINQ in C#?

Some common mistakes include not understanding deferred execution, using incorrect data types, and failing to handle null values.

Can you explain deferred execution?

Deferred execution means that the evaluation of a LINQ query is delayed until you actually iterate over the results. This can lead to unexpected behavior if the data changes before execution.

What about using incorrect data types?

Using incorrect data types can lead to runtime exceptions. Always ensure that the types in your LINQ queries match the types in your data source.

How can I handle null values in LINQ?

You can use the null-coalescing operator (??) or the null-conditional operator (?.) to safely handle null values in your LINQ queries.

Any tips for optimizing LINQ queries?

Yes! Use methods like ToList() or ToArray() to materialize results early, and avoid unnecessary iterations by filtering data as early as possible.