Explore 10 advanced C# tricks that experienced developers use to write efficient and high-performance code.

Introduction

C# is a powerful programming language, but unlocking its full potential requires mastering advanced techniques. In this article, we explore 10 advanced C# tricks that can enhance code performance, readability, and efficiency.

1. Returning Multiple Values Without Extra Classes

Instead of using custom classes or out parameters, C# allows returning multiple values using tuples.

Example:

public (string, int) GetPerson() 
{
 return ("John Doe", 30);
}
var person = GetPerson();
Console.WriteLine("Name: " + person.Item1 + ", Age: " + person.Item2);

2. Advanced Type Checking Using Pattern Matching

Pattern matching allows developers to simplify complex type-checking conditions.

Example:

public string CheckType(object obj)
{
    if (obj is int num) return "Integer: " + num;
    if (obj is string text) return "String: " + text;
    return "Unknown Type";
}

3. Encapsulating Helper Methods with Local Functions

Local functions help keep helper methods within the main method scope.

Example:

void DisplayNumbers()
{
    void Print(int number) { Console.WriteLine(number); }
    for (int i = 1; i <= 5; i++) Print(i);
}

4. Simplifying Methods Using Expression-bodied Members

Expression-bodied members make methods more concise.

Example:

public class User
{
    public string Name { get; set; }
    public int Age { get; set; }
    public string GetDetails() => Name + " is " + Age + " years old.";
}

5. Ensuring Data Integrity with Readonly Structs

Readonly structs prevent modification of their fields after initialization.

Example:

public readonly struct Coordinate
{
    public int X { get; }
    public int Y { get; }
    public Coordinate(int x, int y) { X = x; Y = y; }
}

6. Optimizing Performance Using Ref Returns

Ref returns allow returning a reference to an array element to avoid unnecessary copying.

Example:

public ref int FindMax(int[] numbers)
{
    ref int max = ref numbers[0];
    foreach (ref int num in numbers) if (num > max) max = ref num;
    return ref max;
}

7. Ignoring Unwanted Values Using Discards

Discards (_) allow ignoring certain values returned by a function.

Example:

if (int.TryParse("123", out _)) Console.WriteLine("Valid number");

8. Streamlining Null Handling with Null Coalescing Assignment

The ??= operator sets a value only if the variable is null.

Example:

string name = null;
name ??= "Default Name";
Console.WriteLine(name);

9. Using Lightweight Structures with ValueTuple

ValueTuple allows creating lightweight data groupings.

Example:

ValueTuple user = (25, "Alice");
Console.WriteLine("Age: " + user.Item1 + ", Name: " + user.Item2);

10. Implementing Efficient Streaming with IAsyncEnumerable

IAsyncEnumerable allows streaming asynchronous data without buffering.

Example:

public async IAsyncEnumerable StreamNumbers()
{
    for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++)
    {
        await Task.Delay(500);
        yield return i;
    }
}

Conclusion

These advanced C# tricks help developers write cleaner, more efficient, and high-performing applications. Each of these techniques contributes to better maintainability, performance improvement, and readability.

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