Question

I am upgrading a Windows Client application that was earlier .NET 1.1. The previous developer handwrote many solutions that can be done automatically with the newer versions of .NET. Since I am relatively fresh to .NET and do not have the complete overview of the features I am asking here.

What is the most notable classes and syntax features provided in later .NET versions that is likely to swap out handwritten code with features from the library?

Answer 1

Biggest changes off the top of my head:

• Use generic collections instead of ArrayList, Hashtable etc.
• For C# 3.5, use LINQ instead of manually filtering/projecting
• Use generic delegates instead of having to declare your own all the time
• Use anonymous methods instead of creating a one line method used to create a delegate in one place
• Use BackgroundWorker for WinForms background tasks

Generics is the most wide-reaching change in my view.