Heap allocations aren’t entirely bad, but when an object is allocated on a heap, it contributes to the garbage collection cycles, which in turn reduces overall application performance. Introduction One approach  to optimizing resource usage in async code is by using ValueTask<TResult> syntax to minimize heap allocations, which in turn reduces pressure on garbage collection and enhances overall performance. Learning Objectives The Problem with Heap Allocations Optimizing with ValueTask<TResult> When to Use ValueTask<TResult> Prerequisites for Developers Basic understanding of C# programming language. Getting Started Heap allocations aren’t entirely bad, but when an object is allocated on a heap, it contributes to the garbage collection cycles, which in turn reduces overall application performance. In the case of excessive heap allocation, the garbage collector can cause GC pauses. Bad Practice: Excessive Use of Task<TResult> Let’s consider a common asynchronous pattern that developers commonly use: public async Task<string> ReadDataAsync()
    {
        var data = await ReadFromStreamAsync(_stream);
        return ProcessData(data);
    } If the above-mentioned method is called more frequently, each request results in a new Task instance being allocated on heap memory. Over time, it leads to increased garbage collection overhead. Optimizing with ValueTask<TResult> By changing the return type from Task<TResult> to ValueTask<TResult>, we can reduce heap allocations public async ValueTask<string> ReadDataAsync()
    {
        var data = await ReadFromStreamAsync(_stream);
        return ProcessData(data);
    } The aforementioned optimization is beneficial for high-frequency async operations or methods that are expected to complete synchronously in a significant portion of time. When to Use ValueTask<TResult> High-frequency methods Performance-sensitive code Methods that often complete synchronously Create another class named TaskVsValueTask and add the following code snippet public static class TaskVsValueTask
    {
        public static async Task<string> FetchDataAsync()
        {
            // Simulate a delay to mimic fetching data
            await Task.Delay(1000);
            return "Data fetched using Task";
        }
    
        public static async ValueTask<string> FetchDataValueTaskAsync()
        {
            // Simulate a delay to mimic fetching data
            await Task.Delay(1000); // Note: Use Task.Delay for the sake of example.
            return "Data fetched using ValueTask";
        }
    } Execute from the main method as follows #region Day 20: Task vs. Value Task
    static async Task<string> ExecuteDay20()
    {
        Console.WriteLine("Fetching data with Task...");
        string result = await TaskVsValueTask.FetchDataAsync();
        Console.WriteLine(result);
    
        Console.WriteLine("Fetching data with ValueTask...");
        string resultValueTask = await TaskVsValueTask.FetchDataValueTaskAsync();
        Console.WriteLine(resultValueTask);
    
        return "Executed Day 20 successfully..!!";
    }
    #endregion Console Output Fetching data with Task...
    Data fetched using Task
    Fetching data with ValueTask...
    Data fetched using ValueTask Complete Code on GitHub GitHub — ssukhpinder/30DayChallenge.Net C# Programming🚀 Thank you for being a part of the C# community! Before you leave: Follow us: | | | Visit our other platforms: . Youtube X LinkedIn Dev.to GitHub More content at C# Programming

This story contains new, firsthand information uncovered by the writer.

This writer has a vested interest be it monetary, business, or otherwise, with 1 or more of the products or companies mentioned within.

The writer is smart, but don't just like, take their word for it. #DoYourOwnResearch before making any investment decisions or decisions regarding your health or security. (Do not regard any of this content as professional investment advice, or health advice)

The 30-Day .NET Challenge - Day 20: Task vs. ValueTask

About Author

Comments

TOPICS

THIS ARTICLE WAS FEATURED IN

Related Stories

10-Day .Net Aspire Challenge: Day 1 - An Introduction to .Net Aspire

C# 8.0 Indices and Ranges

5 Tips to Improve Your Productivity in C# 8.0

68 Stories To Learn About Dotnet Core

A Guide to Running ASP.NET Core & SQL Server from Docker

A Guide to Using Scoped Services Inside Singletons

10-Day .Net Aspire Challenge: Day 1 - An Introduction to .Net Aspire

C# 8.0 Indices and Ranges

5 Tips to Improve Your Productivity in C# 8.0

68 Stories To Learn About Dotnet Core

A Guide to Running ASP.NET Core & SQL Server from Docker

A Guide to Using Scoped Services Inside Singletons

Light-Mode

Classic

Newspaper

Minty

Dark-Mode

Neon Noir

Minty

HN StartUps