What are the differences between async iterables and sync iterables?

What are the differences between async iterables and sync iterables?

Async iterables allow for asynchronous iteration, meaning you can work with data that arrives over time, like from a network request. Sync iterables, on the other hand, require all data to be available at once before you can start iterating.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! A sync iterable example is an array: you can loop through it immediately. An async iterable example is a stream of data from a server, where you use for await...of to process each piece as it arrives.

When would I use async iterables?

You'd use async iterables when dealing with data that isn't immediately available, like fetching data from an API or reading files in chunks.

Are there any performance differences?

Yes, async iterables can improve performance in I/O-bound tasks by allowing other operations to run while waiting for data, whereas sync iterables block execution until all data is available.