What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous processing?

Question

Accepted Answer

**Synchronous** — wait for completion. **Asynchronous** — don't wait.

**Synchronous Processing:**
- Wait for result.
- Block until complete.
- Simple flow.
- User waits.

```
Synchronous:
Client → Request → Server → Wait → Response
(Client waits for result)
```

**Asynchronous Processing:**
- Don't wait.
- Background processing.
- Queue-based.
- User continues.

```
Asynchronous:
Client → Request → Server → "Processing..."
Client continues
Server → Queue → Worker → Notification
(Client doesn't wait)
```

**Key differences:**
- **Synchronous** — wait.
- **Asynchronous** — don't wait.
- **Synchronous** — blocking.
- **Asynchronous** — non-blocking.

Systems Analyst: What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous processing?