How does synchronous programming differ from asynchronous programming?

Synchronous programming is characterized by its execution model, where tasks are executed sequentially, meaning that each task must complete before the next one begins. In this model, the program is blocked during the execution of a task, which often leads to a straightforward flow of control and easier debugging, since the order of operations is predictable. This sequential execution aligns with the normal reading order and is intuitive for many introductory programming tasks.

For instance, if a synchronous function is called to fetch data, the program will halt at that point until the response is received, ensuring that no further lines of code are processed until this task is completed. This can lead to inefficiencies, especially in applications that require a prompt user interface or have to handle multiple operations at once.

Other programming models do exist that allow different behaviors, such as asynchronous programming, where tasks can be started and completed independently, potentially enabling faster execution by not needing to wait for each task to complete before initiating the next. However, the defining feature of synchronous programming remains its sequential task execution.