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Understanding The Client-Server Architecture.

Understanding The Client-Server Architecture.

This architecture is essential for web developers as it forms the foundation of web communication.

Aashish Jha's photo
Aashish Jha
·

3 min read

Table of contents

Introduction

  • Web as a Service: Built on the internet to facilitate reliable and easy data sharing.

  • Types of Data: Images, videos, documents, etc., in various forms.

  • Client-Server Model: A method of communication where computers are classified as either clients or servers.

What is a Client?

  • Definition: A client can be either a machine or a program used to make requests through the web.

  • These request are most of the time in the form of HTTP

Client Machines:

  • Devices such as laptops, desktops, smartphones, and tablets or Application programs in these devices like chrome, edge, games,etc used by end-users to access the web.

Client Programs:

  • Software that allows users to send requests via the web.

    • Example: Web browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).

    • Other examples: Programs like photo editing software or word processors accessing online resources (e.g., themes, help documents).

Key Takeaway: A client is an appliance (machine or program) for making web requests.

What is a Server?

  • Definition: A program, not a device, designed to serve client requests by running specific functionalities.

Characteristics of Servers:

  1. Runs Server Programs: These provide functionality and respond to client requests.

  2. High-Performance Machines: Servers often use advanced hardware but are defined by the software they run.

  3. Handles Multiple Clients: A single server can cater to numerous clients simultaneously.

  4. 24/7 Operation: Servers run continuously, requiring robust hardware and software setups.

  5. Virtualization: Multiple virtual servers can run on one physical machine.

Types of Servers:

  • Web Servers: Serve HTTP requests (e.g., Apache).

  • Database Servers: Manage databases (e.g., MySQL).

  • Other Servers: Handle specialized tasks (discussed in detail in another session).

Key Takeaway: Servers store resources, host applications, manage data, and respond to client requests.

Client-Server Model

  • Definition: An architecture splitting computers into two roles:

    • Clients: Request services.

    • Servers: Provide services.

How it Works:

  • Based on a request-response cycle using HTTP messages.

Features:

  • Centralized Structure: Communication relies on a central server.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Model

  • Definition: A decentralized communication model where every computer is both a requester and a provider.

Characteristics:

  1. No Fixed Roles: All computers are functionally identical.

  2. Direct Data Exchange: Computers communicate directly without a centralized server.

  3. Flexibility: Computers can upload and download data equally.

  4. Not Always Online: Devices do not need to operate continuously.

Examples:

  • BitTorrent for file sharing.

  • Video chat protocols.

Summary

  1. Client: A machine or program used to make requests through the web.

  2. Server: A program that listens for and responds to client requests.

  3. Client-Server Model: A centralized web architecture separating requesters (clients) and response providers (servers).

  4. Peer-to-Peer Model: A decentralized alternative where all computers are functionally equal.

Thank you for reading ❤️🧑‍💻

~ Aashish Jha

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