What does the term 'synchronous programming' refer to?

The term 'synchronous programming' refers to a programming model where operations are performed one after another. In synchronous programming, each operation must complete before the next one begins. This creates a straightforward flow of execution, making it easier to understand how data is processed and when specific tasks will be completed.

This approach is particularly beneficial in situations where the sequence and timing of operation execution are critical, as it helps eliminate race conditions and ensures that operations are carried out in a predictable manner. For instance, if a program requires reading data from a file before processing it, synchronous programming ensures that the read operation completes before any processing begins.

In contrast, other programming models, such as asynchronous programming, allow operations to occur independently or concurrently, which can lead to complications in managing the state and flow of the application.