How does an asynchronous method work when using the await keyword in your code?

The await keyword in C# is used to suspend the execution of an asynchronous method until the awaited task (Task) completes. During this time, the thread executing the method is not blocked but is freed for other operations. When the task completes, the method resumes execution from the point where await was called.

Example:

public async Task<int> GetDataAsync()
{
    int result = await SomeLongRunningOperationAsync();
    return result * 2;
}

Here, await allows the thread not to be blocked while SomeLongRunningOperationAsync is running, and after it completes, it continues working with the result.