How this term is used In this channel's material, synchronous vs. asynchronous agents marks a key design choice in how coding agents work: whether the agent runs while you watch, or runs on its own and reports back when done. The distinction appears in the context of Cognition — the company behind Devin — and of the newer asynchronously orchestrated coding agents reshaping how software gets written. The two modes - Synchronous agents operate in step with the user: you prompt, the agent works, and you observe or steer the process in real time. - Asynchronous agents are handed a task and execute it independently in the background — the user does not need to remain engaged while the work happens. Why it matters Understanding this distinction helps you explore which problems each form factor fits: synchronous agents suit tight back-and-forth work, while asynchronous orchestration enables agents to carry substantial coding tasks through to completion on their own. As this channel frames it, the asynchronous form factor is part of what comes beyond LLMs — a newer architecture and capability built to expand what AI software engineers can take on.