Synchronous vs. Asynchronous

Synchronous
In general, synchronous (pronounced SIHN-kro-nuhs, from Greek syn-, meaning "with," and chronos, meaning "time") is an adjective describing objects or events that are coordinated in time. In information technology, the term has several different usages. In other words a process occurring at the same time or at the same rate or with a regular or predictable time relationship or sequence.

Asynchronous
In general, asynchronous (pronounced ay-SIHN-kro-nuhs, from Greek asyn-, meaning "not with," and chronos, meaning "time") is an adjective describing objects or events that are not coordinated in time. In information technology, the term has several different usages. In other words a process whose execution can proceed independently, "in the background". Other processes may be started before the asynchronous process has finished.

In computer programs, asynchronous operation means that a process operates independently of other processes, whereas synchronous operation means that the process runs only as a result of some other process being completed or handing off operation. A typical activity that might use a synchronous protocol would be a transmission of files from one point to another. As each transmission is received, a response is returned indicating success or the need to resend. Each successive transmission of data requires a response to the previous transmission before a new one can be initiated.

Anybody got other or better definitions for these terms when used in the Technology Industry? If so, please share them in the comments.

Source: https://www.foldoc.org and https://whatis.com

Comments

• Anonymous
  August 01, 2007
  It's a good challenge -- but we tried hard to get it right the first time. If you do receive suggestions or improvements, let us know! Alex