What is asynchronous interrupt?

An asynchronous interrupt is a signal to the processor that occurs independently of the current executing program, prompting the CPU to pause its current task and address the interrupting event. This type of interrupt can arise from external sources, such as hardware devices (e.g., keyboard or network card), and is used to handle events that require immediate attention. Unlike synchronous interrupts, which are triggered by the execution of instructions within the program, asynchronous interrupts can occur at any time, necessitating a mechanism for the operating system to manage them effectively.