About Client Server Technology

Client Server technology forms the basis for the Web

Client Server technology is a model used for computing programs. The World Wide Web functions using a Client Server model. The clients and servers are applications, normally running on separate computers that are linked through a network. This model allows programs to distribute their tasks among the different applications. Many of today's Internet-based communication methods are achieved through Client Server technology.

Characteristics

A typical Client Server system will involve a program running on one machine, the server, communicating with a program running on at least one other, the client. The Web is the best known example of this system. When you browse a website, your Web browser (the client) sends a message request to the Web server on which the site is running. The server responds, normally with the content of the page you requested, and your browser then displays this.

Principles

The basic principle of Client Server technology is that it allows resources to be used by multiple users at any time. In an average system, the data and core information for an application will all be stored at the server side. The clients provide access to this data, and many clients can have access to one server. Because the data is stored only in one place, the resulting applications are easier to secure and maintain.

Examples

The advances in networking have had the effect of making Client Server applications widespread today. As well as the Internet, and the vast number of applications that run on it, many organizations use Client Server models in their database systems. Many different technologies are used to achieve Client Server models. Some of the most common ways to build client and server programs for the Web include HTML, JavaScript, and programming languages such as PHP and ASP.

Benefits

There are many benefits to using Client Server technologies. Applications using a data store are better able to maintain their data if it is stored in one location, rather than being distributed along with the other application parts. A substantial proportion of the communication tools and techniques, including email and instant messaging, that are essential to today's industries and organizations would not be possible without Client Server interaction.

Considerations

If you're planning to learn about Client Server technology for use in Web development, this will involve learning one or more programming languages. You will first need to learn the basics of HTML and client side technologies such as JavaScript. Server side programming usually involves a database, and a program (written, for example, in PHP or ASP) running on the server, sending the data to the client. Client Server technologies give you the ability to create dynamic, interactive and productive experiences for visitors to your site.

References

• W3 Schools: WWW Primer

Resources

• W3 Schools: ASP Tutorial
• W3 Schools: PHP Tutorial