What is the main characteristic of synchronous programming?

In synchronous programming, tasks are executed in a sequential manner, meaning that each task must complete before the subsequent task begins. This characteristic ensures that operations occur in a specific order, with each step depending on the completion of the previous one. This approach is critical in scenarios where the outcome of one task directly influences the next task, such as in data processing or situations requiring precise timing.

The other choices do not accurately describe synchronous programming. For example, the first option suggests that tasks are executed randomly, which contradicts the structured, ordered nature of synchronous execution. The second option implies that tasks run concurrently, which is more characteristic of asynchronous programming, where tasks can execute independently and simultaneously without needing to wait for others. Lastly, the statement regarding inherent speed does not pertain specifically to synchronous programming; rather, execution speed can depend on various factors, including system architecture and task complexity, and does not imply that synchronous tasks are faster than asynchronous tasks.