By default, jQuery AJAX requests are asynchronous. This means that the code execution is not halted while waiting for the response from the server, and other JavaScript functions can continue to run simultaneously. There are, however, specific cases when you may need to make the AJAX call synchronous.
In this blog post, we will learn how to make a jQuery AJAX call synchronous. Before diving into the solution, let’s understand the difference between asynchronous and synchronous AJAX calls.
Asynchronous vs Synchronous AJAX Calls
Asynchronous AJAX calls allow multiple requests to be sent to the server without waiting for a response. This is the default behavior of jQuery AJAX and provides better user experience as the webpage does not hang while waiting for the server response.
Synchronous AJAX calls, on the other hand, halt the execution of JavaScript code until a response is received from the server. This can be useful in specific scenarios, but it can also lead to a poor user experience if the response takes a long time.
Making a Synchronous jQuery AJAX Call
To make a synchronous jQuery AJAX call, you need to set the async option to false in the $.ajax() method. Here’s an example:
$.ajax({
url: 'your_url_here',
type: 'GET',
async: false,
success: function (data) {
console.log('AJAX call was successful!');
console.log(data);
},
error: function (error) {
console.log('Error occurred in AJAX call');
console.log(error);
}
});
In the example above, the async option is set to false, making the AJAX call synchronous. The JavaScript code execution will be halted until the server response is received.
Important Note
It is essential to understand that synchronous AJAX calls can lead to a poor user experience if the response takes a long time. As a result, it is generally recommended to use asynchronous AJAX calls unless there is a specific need for synchronous behavior.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we learned how to make a synchronous jQuery AJAX call by setting the async option to false in the $.ajax() method. Although synchronous calls can be useful in specific scenarios, always consider the impact on user experience and opt for asynchronous AJAX calls whenever possible.
