Advantages & Disadvantages of Synchronous / Asynchronous Communications?

 

Asynchronous Communication

Advantages:

• Requests need not be targeted to specific server.
• Service need not be available when request is made.
• No blocking, so resources could be freed. 
• Could use connectionless protocol

Disadvantages:

• Response times are unpredictable.
• Error handling usually more complex. 
• Usually requires connection-oriented protocol. 
• Harder to design apps

Synchronous Communication

Advantages:

• Easy to program
• Outcome is known immediately 
• Error recovery easier (usually) 
• Better real-time response (usually)

Disadvantages:

• Service must be up and ready.
• Requestor blocks, held resources are “tied up”. 
• Usually requires connection-oriented protocol