Modern network applications must be responsive and scalable, so they should utilize asynchronous programming. This talk will explore how the `async` and `await` keywords can transform blocking network operations into non-blocking, high-performance workflows in .NET. You will learn how to perform asynchronous reads and writes using sockets and streams while effectively managing the execution flow with `Task`, `ValueTask`, and `ConfigureAwait(false)`.

However, Woody will not only focus on the syntax. He will also discuss the practical implications of writing asynchronous code, including avoiding common pitfalls like deadlocks and thread starvation. You will learn how to implement graceful cancellation using `CancellationToken` and how to structure your network code to keep it readable and testable. Whether upgrading legacy code or starting a new scalable service, this talk will provide you with the essential asynchronous patterns and tools for success.

Key Takeaways:
• Write asynchronous network operations using async and await.
• Discover the performance benefits of non-blocking I/O.
• Avoid common async pitfalls like thread pool exhaustion and deadlocks.
• Learn best practices for cancellation, exception handling, and debugging async code.

Target Audience:
Intermediate .NET developers who want to modernize legacy network code or ensure new applications are scalable and performant using async best practices.