Engineers come across two phrases a lot, i.e., server and client, which are two vital concepts in networking. There is a misconception that the phrases mean the same thing. However, there is a stark difference between server and client. Essentially, in the client-server architecture, the client requests services from a server. In return, servers help clients get their requested services. Clients and servers are two very different programs operating on separate machines. Clients work as the front-end of the architecture while servers provide the backend support. Primarily, clients are responsible for delivering the data to the user. On the other hand, servers are responsible for the management and storage of data.
In this blog, we will explore client vs server in detail. We will analyze the meanings of the two concepts and discuss precise differences between server and client.
What Is Client?
A client can be referred to as any computer system that requests services from a server. Clients are responsible for communicating with the user and are sometimes referred to as requesting programs. For example, devices like laptops, smartphones, and desktop computers are examples of client. The main job of a client is to start and control service or resource requests from a server. Essentially, clients organize requests, process server responses, and inform users. A client program is considered as a finite program, which essentially means that user starts a request, and the client program ends when the service is finished.
The reason client-server architecture is preferable is because it ensures scalability and separation of duties. It empowers multiple clients to request the same server for services.
What Is a Server?
A server can be considered as a device or computer software that renders services to numerous devices tethered to the network. The core responsibilities of a server include accepting and finishing client requests as management and storage of data. The central advantage of using servers is that they provide users with a central position in management and storage of data. Essentially, this makes the job of maintenance a lot simpler. Servers are extremely reliable and remain operational even if one of its clients fails. They are purpose-built to handle enterprise-level workloads and large datasets.
Servers play a central role in the client-server architecture, giving all the networked devices accessibility to various services. Different types of servers include file servers, database servers, print servers, mail servers, application servers, etc.
What Is the Difference Between Server and Client?
The main distinction between server and client is the fact that client begins communication with the server. The client submits information requests, and the server responds to that request. Mainly, you will find servers in data centers while clients generally exist in consumer computers. To find out more differences between server and client, you can refer to the following table:
| Characteristics | Clients | Server |
| Purpose and Function | Since the server creates the services that the clients ask for, clients remain dependent on the server. Clients can make a different type of request and depend on servers’ response. | Depending on the requirements of the clients, it provides services as per the client requests. The server also authorizes the requests of the client and renders required services. |
| User-interface | Client operating systems contain a Graphical User Interface, which is easier for the users to navigate. | In server operating systems, condensed GUI or CLI is generally seen in server-side operating systems. |
| Responsibilities | As you know, the main job of the client is to request specific services. All jobs on the client's side are relatively easier. | Compared to client-side, the server-side tasks are complex. Quite frequently, servers perform complex tasks like processing and managing volumes of data, handling client requests, carrying out data analysis, etc. |
| Flow of Communication | The operating system of the clients is developed to leverage and access various resources. | Server operating systems are purpose-built to administer network traffic and resources. |
| Security Focus | Client OS are built with comparatively less security measures. The security problems are caused by XSS, Injection, and CSRF attacks. | Servers can get vulnerable to invalid authentication, DoS attacks, and injection attacks. However, server OS usually has more security. |
| Location | Clients can be any of the user-side devices | Servers are usually present in the data centers. |
| Examples | Main examples of clients include desktop computers, smartphones, tablets, and laptops | Servers can get vulnerable to invalid authentication, DoS attacks, and injection attacks. However, server OS usually have more security. |
Web Server vs. Application Server: A Comprehensive Comparison
Client Server Architecture- Understanding Responsibilities of Clients and Servers
Client-server architecture is used in computer networking design, which showcases a connection between multiple computers. In this model, clients provide requests for resources and services from a centralized server computer system. The client-server architecture controls how various devices can access the server data. Additionally, it allows clients to launch programs or download files using a centralized server. This ensures consistency across a variety of devices. Servers are utilized predominantly by a wide variety of enterprises in numerous industries. They are utilized to store and access information because they provide higher processing power and storage capacity.
Client-server architecture enables local path connection of a system to a server via a LAN (Local Area Connectivity) connectivity. Such connections might have higher security, but they fall short in terms of external features such as cloud computing. The internet is utilized in WAN networks to establish a connection between devices and servers. WAN networks are typically required in large data sets, but such connections might be vulnerable and need more security. The following purpose can be fulfilled via the client-server architecture-
- Sending a request to the server for resources or data.
- Establishing a strong connection between users and servers.
- Operating with temporary and local storage.
- Database operations
- Establishing a link with other servers.
- Generating a response to user requirements.
- Compiling documents on server side.
- Leveraging the files of the server.
- Completing a database query.
- Creation of interactive web apps.
Conclusion
For professionals like IoT developers to understand the main concepts in networking, comprehending the difference between server and client is vital. Clients are the user-side devices responsible for sending server requests and presenting the response of the servers to the users. On the other hand, servers are robust platforms developed to store, process, and handle data while responding to requests of clients.
The client-server architecture ensures a perfectly balanced environment where responsibilities are clearly segmented. Clients take care of user interaction and service requests while servers concentrate on resource provision and data management. This arrangement provides a great arrangement in aspects of reliability, scalability, and effective utilization of resources.
As technology is expected to advance more, the fundamental concepts of client-server architecture are of paramount importance for internet functionality and enterprise computing.
The questions regarding the difference between server and client can also be asked in an IoT interview.
