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Use asynchronous processing to run AL code without making users wait for it to finish. For example, you can process batches in the background or split large tasks into smaller tasks that run in parallel.
The following table compares the available options and identifies their main Business Central online limits.
| Option | Characteristics | Main Business Central online limits |
|---|---|---|
| Page background task | Runs in a read-only child session tied to the page and parent session. Can be canceled. Automatically canceled when the page closes, the current record changes, the parent session ends, or the task times out. | Child session concurrency and queue length; page background task timeouts |
| StartSession | Creates a background session immediately on the same server instance. Execution can wait in a queue. Not tied to a page or the lifetime of the calling session. Can write to the database, subject to permissions. | Background session concurrency, queue length, and waiting timeout |
| Task scheduler | Queues work for execution when ready and no earlier than its scheduled time. Runs in a background session on an eligible server instance in the cluster. Task definitions persist across server restarts; interrupted tasks can be rerun. Provides task scheduler telemetry and diagnostics, rather than job queue log entries. | Scheduled task concurrency |
| Job queue | Supports scheduled and recurring runs. Uses the task scheduler to run work in a background session on an eligible server instance in the cluster. Task definitions persist across server restarts; interrupted tasks can be rerun. Records execution status and errors in job queue log entries. | Scheduled task concurrency, shared with other scheduled tasks |
Operational limits for Business Central online
To help maintain service availability and quality, Business Central online limits asynchronous operations. The comparison table identifies the limits for each option. Learn more about the current limits in Asynchronous task limits and Scheduled task limits.
Operational limits for Business Central on-premises
For Business Central on-premises, you can configure child session concurrency and queue limits, background session concurrency and queue limits, page background task timeouts, and scheduled task concurrency. Learn more in Run background sessions and page tasks and Schedule server tasks.
Related information
Job queue
Page background tasks
Task scheduler
Operational limits for Business Central online
Performance articles for developers