Client-Side vs Server-Side: Let's Decode It

Have you ever wondered how, when you type a URL to a search bar how that page shows up on your screen so quickly?

Behind the scenes, two key players make it all happen: the client (your device) and the server (the machine that provides the content).

Let’s decode what the client and server are →

🧑‍💻 What is a Client?

A client is the device or software that sends requests to the server. Most commonly, in your case it can be your web browser like (Chrome, ,Safari and Firefox) through a mobile phone or computer.

Every time you browse the internet seeking information, your browser acts as a client for example:

• Type a URL

• Click a link

• Submit a form

In simple terms, think of it like this:

You're at a restaurant. You (the client) ask the waiter for a menu item. The waiter (the server) goes to the kitchen and brings it back. Simple!

🖥️ What is a Server?

A server is a powerful computer that stores, processes, and sends data when requested. It listens to the client requests → processes them → and sends back the required information to the client. A server can handle multiple client requests simultaneously.

In simple terms, think of it like this:

The server is the kitchen that prepares your food. It does the real cooking (processing) and hands the dish back via the waiter.

What is Client-Server Architecture?

Client-server architecture is a model where the network infrastructure is structured to include multiple clients and a central server. In this model clients make requests to server for resources or information, then the server processes it and sends back the response.

Here’s what happens behind the scenes when you search for anything on the browser -

• You enter a URL in your browser (client).

• The client sends a request to the server.

• The server processes the request.

• The server sends back the requested data (a web page, image, etc.)

• The browser displays it on your screen.

Some Tasks Done on Client-Side vs Server-Side

Behind the Scenes of the Internet