What is the role of the `async` and `await` keywords in JavaScript?

The role of async and await in JavaScript is to enable asynchronous programming, allowing developers to write code that can perform non-blocking operations more easily and readably.

When a function is declared with the async keyword, it indicates that the function will return a promise. Inside an async function, the await keyword can be used before a promise, which causes the execution to pause until that promise is resolved. This behavior allows developers to write asynchronous code that reads like synchronous code, making it simpler to follow the flow of logic.

By using async and await, developers can handle operations such as fetching data from an API or reading files without freezing the main thread of execution, resulting in a smoother and more responsive user experience. This feature helps in managing asynchronous tasks more effectively, making it a fundamental aspect of modern JavaScript development.