Sometimes you would like to simply launch a thread to do a particular long running job.
With async / await pattern, it becomes really easy to fire and forget such a kind of task and it’s tempting to call an async method without the await keyword preceding it.
But is it really the correct way to proceed ?
Fire and forget execution in C# allows asynchronous methods to run independently without awaiting their completion. However, improper handling can lead to unobserved exceptions and unexpected behavior. Using best practices and the AsyncAwaitBestPractices NuGet package can help mitigate these risks.
Why using safe fire and forget ?
In some scenarios, you may not need to await an asynchronous method, such as logging, telemetry, or background tasks. However, simply calling an async method without awaiting it can cause unhandled exceptions and application crashes.
Implementing safe fire and forget
A common but risky approach is to call an async method without awaiting it.
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public void ExecuteTask() { PerformAsyncOperation(); // Risky: unobserved exceptions may be lost } public async Task PerformAsyncOperation() { await Task.Delay(1000); throw new Exception("Something went wrong"); } |
The AsyncAwaitBestPractices NuGet package provides an extension method, SafeFireAndForget, to handle exceptions properly.
First of all, install the package.
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dotnet add package AsyncAwaitBestPractices |
Then, use SafeFireAndForget to handle exceptions safely.
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using AsyncAwaitBestPractices; public void ExecuteTask() { PerformAsyncOperation().SafeFireAndForget(onException: ex => Console.WriteLine($"Error: {ex.Message}")); } |
This ensures that exceptions are not lost, and error handling can be customized.
Best practices for fire and forget methods
- Always log exceptions: Use SafeFireAndForget with an onException handler.
- Limit usage: Fire-and-forget should be reserved for background operations that don’t impact user experience.
- Consider application state: Ensure the operation doesn’t require completion for app stability.
Conclusion
Using safe fire-and-forget techniques in C# prevents unobserved exceptions and improves application reliability. The AsyncAwaitBestPractices package provides a simple way to handle errors, making fire-and-forget execution both safe and efficient.