What are the best practices for using lists in C#?

What are the best practices for using lists in C#?

When using lists in C#, consider the following best practices: 1. Use List<T> for dynamic arrays. 2. Prefer using var for type inference. 3. Avoid using List<T>.AddRange in a loop for performance. 4. Use LINQ for querying lists efficiently.

Can you explain why I should prefer List<T> over arrays?

Certainly! List<T> provides dynamic sizing, built-in methods for manipulation, and better performance for adding/removing items compared to arrays, which have a fixed size.

What about performance? Are there any specific scenarios I should be aware of?

Yes, for large datasets, consider using List<T>.Capacity to minimize resizing. Also, avoid frequent insertions in the middle of the list, as it can be costly.

How can I sort a list efficiently?

You can use the List<T>.Sort method for in-place sorting or LINQ's OrderBy for creating a sorted copy. Both are efficient, but choose based on your needs.