Tell me about the GC operation modes: server and desktop. When should each be used?

In .NET, there are two main modes of garbage collector (GC) operation:

• Server GC — optimized for multi-processor server systems. Uses multiple threads for parallel garbage collection, reducing pauses and increasing throughput. Suitable for high-load applications with large memory usage.

• Workstation GC — designed for single-threaded or user applications on desktops. Usually runs in a single-threaded mode, minimizing resource usage but with longer pauses.

When to use:

• For server applications, web services, backends with high load — choose server GC.
• For client applications with interactive interfaces — desktop GC, to minimize impact on UI responsiveness.

In .NET Core and .NET 5+, server GC is enabled by default on server platforms.