---
schema: 1
type: term
title: _synchronous vs. asynchronous agents_
description: >-
  The distinction between agents that run in step with the user (synchronous,
  observed and steered in real time) and agents that execute a task
  independently in the background and report back when done (asynchronous). In
  this channel's material, the term appears around Cognition's coding agents and
  the rise of asynchronously orchestrated coding agents as a newer agent form
  factor.
canonical: >-
  https://liquidgold.cc/channel/everyinc/explore/term/synchronous-vs-asynchronous-agents-fd2feab15373
markdown: >-
  https://liquidgold.cc/channel/everyinc/explore/term/synchronous-vs-asynchronous-agents-fd2feab15373.md
llms: null
parent: 'https://liquidgold.cc/channel/everyinc/llms.txt'
channel: everyinc
updated: '2026-10-23T22:12:35.346Z'
language: null
children: []
---


# \_synchronous vs. asynchronous agents\_

Canonical: https://liquidgold.cc/channel/everyinc/explore/term/synchronous-vs-asynchronous-agents-fd2feab15373

Parent: [Channel index](https://liquidgold.cc/channel/everyinc/llms.txt)

## Definition

The distinction between agents that run in step with the user (synchronous, observed and steered in real time) and agents that execute a task independently in the background and report back when done (asynchronous). In this channel's material, the term appears around Cognition's coding agents and the rise of asynchronously orchestrated coding agents as a newer agent form factor.

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.- **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.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.