How long do you soak lentils before cooking?

The title says it all... I have whole dried green lentils. How long should I soak? The internet seems to give mixed answers... Thanks!

I never soak lentils, they cook so fast without soaking.

I've never heard of soaking lentils, that's one of the advantages of lentils over beans

You do not have to soak lentils. As appletwo said, that is one of the advantages!

I just rinse them well and cook them.

I prefer red lentils to green and never soak those.  Even with green lentils, I still don't think you need to soak them.  (The green ones keep their shape better than red - red go all lovely and mushy which is ideal for making lentil soup.)