What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous Ajax calls?

When making Ajax calls in web development, there are two main methods of executing them - synchronous and asynchronous. The key difference between the two is how the browser handles the request and response from the server.

Synchronous Ajax Calls

In synchronous Ajax calls, the browser makes the request to the server and waits for a response before proceeding with any other tasks. This means that the entire browser is blocked during the request, and if the server is slow to respond, the user's experience may be negatively impacted. Synchronous calls are less common in modern web development due to their potentially negative impact on the user experience.

Asynchronous Ajax Calls

In asynchronous Ajax calls, the browser makes the request to the server and continues with other tasks while waiting for a response. This allows the user to interact with the page without being blocked by the request, improving the overall user experience. Asynchronous calls are commonly used in web development to ensure a smooth and responsive user experience.

Conclusion

In summary, the main difference between synchronous and asynchronous Ajax calls is how the browser handles the request and response from the server. Synchronous calls block the browser until a response is received, while asynchronous calls allow the browser to continue with other tasks while waiting for a response. Asynchronous calls are preferred in modern web development for their ability to provide a more responsive and interactive user experience.