Using `await` in C# `catch` and `finally` Blocks: Asynchronous Exception Handling

Learn how to use the `await` keyword within `catch` and `finally` blocks in C# for asynchronous exception handling and resource cleanup. This guide demonstrates best practices for managing asynchronous operations during error handling and resource release.

Using `await` in C# `catch` and `finally` Blocks

In C#, the `await` keyword suspends execution of an asynchronous method until an awaited task completes. Starting with C# 6.0, you can use `await` within `catch` and `finally` blocks to handle asynchronous operations during exception handling or resource cleanup.

`await` in `catch` Blocks

Using `await` in a `catch` block allows you to perform asynchronous tasks when an exception occurs. This might involve logging the error to a remote server, sending an email notification, or other cleanup operations.

using System;
using System.Threading.Tasks;

public class ExceptionAwait {
    public static async Task Main(string[] args) {
        try {
            // Code that might throw an exception
        }
        catch (Exception ex) {
            await HandleExceptionAsync(ex); // Asynchronous exception handling
        }
    }

    private static async Task HandleExceptionAsync(Exception ex) {
        // ... your asynchronous exception handling logic ...
        Console.WriteLine("Exception handled asynchronously.");
    }
}

`await` in `finally` Blocks

Using `await` in a `finally` block lets you perform asynchronous cleanup tasks, regardless of whether an exception occurred. This is particularly useful for releasing resources like closing files or network connections.

using System;
using System.Threading.Tasks;

public class ExceptionAwait {
    public static async Task Main(string[] args) {
        try {
            // Code that might throw an exception
        }
        catch (Exception ex) {
            // ... exception handling ...
        }
        finally {
            await CleanupAsync(); // Asynchronous cleanup
        }
    }

    private static async Task CleanupAsync() {
        // ... your asynchronous cleanup logic ...
        Console.WriteLine("Cleanup done asynchronously.");
    }
}