What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous programming in .NET Core?

Synchronous programming refers to the traditional way of executing code where the execution happens in a sequential and blocking manner. The program execution waits for each operation to complete before proceeding to the next operation.

Asynchronous programming, on the other hand, enables the program to execute multiple operations simultaneously without blocking the program execution. This allows for better utilization of system resources and can result in better performance.

In .NET Core, synchronous programming can be achieved using traditional constructs such as method calls, loops, and conditional statements. Asynchronous programming is typically implemented using async/await keywords and tasks, which allow for non-blocking execution of operations.

By using asynchronous programming, long-running tasks such as accessing a database or calling an external service can be executed in the background while other operations continue. This results in a more responsive and efficient application.

However, it's important to note that asynchronous programming can also introduce complexity and increase the likelihood of errors if not implemented correctly. It's important to understand the principles of asynchronous programming and best practices when using it in .NET Core applications.