Asynchronous programming differs from synchronous programming in its ability to handle tasks independently, allowing multiple operations to occur simultaneously without blocking the execution flow. In synchronous programming, tasks are executed one after another, leading to potential delays if one operation takes time to complete. Conversely, asynchronous programming utilizes callbacks, promises, or async/await patterns to initiate tasks and continue processing other operations while waiting for a response, enhancing application responsiveness. This model is particularly beneficial in web development and network applications, where latency and I/O operations can significantly impact performance.