c# - How can I use Await Task.Delay without labeling all methods Async? -

i'm working on replacing old code uses threads .net 4.5 task based system.

i've replaced threads tasks, next i'm working on replacing thread.sleep calls await task.delay. problems i'm having await can't called within synclock section , every method uses await task.delay instead needs labeled async.

i can around synclock issue have few blocks of , can replaced better code. however, having label each method async causing problems. means have label method calls method async , on down chain. methods going async.

is how should done when using task based approach or doing wrong?

edit 1: posting example code

  public async function delay(milliseconds integer, optional initial boolean = false, optional silent boolean = false, optional modifier double = 0.3, _                         optional task task = nothing, optional exitontaskstop boolean = true) tasks.task(of boolean)     dim outputbufferkey string = nothing      if task isnot nothing       if task.stoprequested return true       outputbufferkey = task.outputbufferkey     end if      if initial       milliseconds = rand.next(0, milliseconds)     elseif modifier > 0       dim minvalue integer = cint(milliseconds * (1 - modifier))       dim maxvalue integer = cint(milliseconds * (1 + modifier))       if minvalue < maxvalue milliseconds = rand.next(minvalue, maxvalue + 1)     end if      if debugmode andalso not silent       dim lengthstring string = nothing       select case milliseconds         case < 60 * 1000 : lengthstring = math.round(milliseconds / 1000, 1) & " seconds"         case < 60 * 60 * 1000 : lengthstring = math.round(milliseconds / (60 * 1000), 1) & " minutes"         case else : lengthstring = math.round(milliseconds / (60 * 60 * 1000), 1) & " hours"       end select       output(outputbufferkey, "sleeping " & lengthstring)     end if      if exitontaskstop andalso task isnot nothing       try         await tasks.task.delay(milliseconds, task.cancellationtoken.token)       catch ex operationcanceledexception         return true       end try     else       await tasks.task.delay(milliseconds)     end if      return false   end function 

i need delay many reasons , method called in number of other methods. give couple of examples have code uses openpop dll check inbox message arrive, if it's not there on first check need wait before check again, have loop , sleep if nothing has been found. example need make httpwebrequest check file, if contents haven't changed want again in 30 seconds.

i suppose using timers better idea? if so, proper use of task.delay?

the methods need await, should marked async, not everything. if have simple function adds var1 + var2, ridiculous make async. being said, end making lot of thing async because call calls needs awaited.

based on discussion here, might better off timers leads other question, "what proper use of task.delay"? solely use can wait ui finish doing. example, make call database , start ui transformation maybe gradually show new part of screen on next 1/2 second. don't want fill in results during 1/2 second because creates jittery screen wait until done. easy way make call database, , create delay use whenall wait last 1 finish. 1/2 second database.

as side note, can call synchronous methods using async work in background well. easier transition threading since changed of code, don't want here that.