C# LINQ vs. foreach: Which is better?

What are the main differences between using LINQ and foreach in C#?

LINQ (Language Integrated Query) provides a more concise and readable way to query collections, while foreach is a traditional loop for iterating through elements. LINQ can also be more efficient in certain scenarios.

Can you give me an example of both in action?

Sure! Here's a LINQ example:

var evenNumbers = numbers.Where(n => n % 2 == 0);

And a foreach example:

foreach (var number in numbers) {
    if (number % 2 == 0) {
        evenNumbers.Add(number);
    }
}

When should I prefer LINQ over foreach?

You should prefer LINQ when you want to write more readable and maintainable code, especially for complex queries. However, foreach might be better for simple iterations or when performance is critical.

Are there any performance differences I should be aware of?

Yes, LINQ can introduce some overhead due to its abstraction, but it often optimizes queries under the hood. For large datasets, foreach might be faster, but it depends on the specific use case.