Description: AsyncEnumerable is a type in C# that allows asynchronous iteration over a collection of elements. This approach is particularly useful in applications that require slow input/output (I/O) operations, such as reading files, querying databases, or making web service calls. Unlike traditional collections that use synchronous iteration, AsyncEnumerable allows the execution thread to remain unblocked while waiting for these operations to complete, thus improving the efficiency and responsiveness of applications. This type is based on the asynchronous programming pattern introduced in C# 5.0, which facilitates writing cleaner and more maintainable code. By using AsyncEnumerable, developers can leverage the ‘await’ keyword to asynchronously wait for the availability of elements, resulting in a smoother workflow that is less prone to errors. Additionally, AsyncEnumerable integrates seamlessly with LINQ, allowing for complex queries on asynchronous collections in a straightforward and expressive manner.
History: AsyncEnumerable was introduced in C# 8.0, released in September 2019. This version of the language brought significant improvements in asynchronous programming, including the ability to work with asynchronous data streams more efficiently. The evolution of AsyncEnumerable is based on the need to handle I/O operations without blocking the main thread, which became increasingly critical as applications grew more complex and reliant on external services.
Uses: AsyncEnumerable is primarily used in applications that require asynchronous I/O operations, such as web applications, microservices, and desktop applications that interact with databases or APIs. It allows developers to write code that can handle multiple operations simultaneously without blocking the user interface or the main execution thread.
Examples: A practical example of AsyncEnumerable is reading records from a database asynchronously. Using ‘await foreach’, developers can iterate over the results of a query without blocking the main thread. Another example is downloading data from multiple APIs, where AsyncEnumerable allows handling responses as they arrive, improving the efficiency of data processing.
