The async and await keywords in JavaScript provide a convenient way to write asynchronous code that is easier to read and maintain. They allow developers to use synchronous syntax while still taking advantage of the benefits of asynchronous programming, such as non-blocking I/O operations and efficient handling of concurrent tasks. The async keyword wraps a function body in a Promise, which returns a value asynchronously. The await keyword pauses the execution of an async function until a Promise is resolved or rejected. This allows developers to write code that is easier to read and understand, while still providing the benefits of asynchronous programming. By using async and await, developers can create more efficient and scalable applications with better performance and responsiveness.