The Client-Server Architectural Model

Introduction

The crux of any communication over the Internet is the client-server architecture. The discussion on this topic is extensive. However, we will keep the discussion brief and easy to understand so that you can grasp the concepts easily.

So, what exactly are clients and servers?

💡 The client and server are the main entities between which all communication of data over the Internet takes place.

What is the client’s role?

A client is any web browser or application on a desktop, a cellular device, or any other smart device. In fact, right now, you must be viewing this lesson through any such device. The role of the client is to send a request to the server and send back the required data. Simply put, when we type a URL into a browser or press a button, it sends a request to a server.

What is the server’s role?

The primary role of a server is to wait for requests to arrive from clients and then respond to them. In other words, when a request from the client is received, the server determines the appropriate response to send back. Afterward, the server responds to these requests and sends back the information the client asked for.

A real-world analogy

Consider this analogy: when we visit a restaurant, we go straight to the counter and ask to be seated. The manager listens to the request and directs us to a table.