Client vs Server
The client is the device or application requesting something, the server is the remote machine that receives that request and sends back a response. Almost every online interaction is a client asking a server for something.
Client
The device or application, like a web browser on a computer or smartphone, that requests information from a server. It initiates requests to a server and renders the response for the user.
Server
A computer or system that stores data, runs applications, and responds to requests from clients over the internet. It receives client requests, processes them, and returns the appropriate data.
Requests data or actions
Processes requests and returns responses
The user's device (phone, laptop, browser)
A remote machine, often in the cloud
Your phone's app opening a page
The remote computer sending that page's data back
| Role | Requests data or actions | Processes requests and returns responses |
|---|---|---|
| Where it lives | The user's device (phone, laptop, browser) | A remote machine, often in the cloud |
| Example | Your phone's app opening a page | The remote computer sending that page's data back |