What is the difference between server-side and client-side?
Server-side, client-side. Does it matter? What are the differences, advantages, and disadvantages?
Written by Thomas Sigdestad on
In the world of web development, the terms "server-side" and "client-side" refer to the location where certain tasks or processes are carried out in a web application.
Understanding the difference between these two types of processes can help developers to choose the right approach for a particular task or goal.
By choosing the right mix of server-side and client-side processes, developers can create web applications that are efficient and effective, and that provide a good user experience.
What is server-side?
Server-side refers to processes that are carried out on the web server, where the website or web application is hosted. These processes are typically executed by the server before the website or web application is delivered to the user's device, and they can include tasks such as retrieving data from a database, rendering a web page, or handling user input.
What is client-side?
Client-side, on the other hand, refers to processes that are carried out on the user's device, typically in the user's web browser. These processes are executed after the website or web application has been delivered to the user's device, and they can include tasks such as rendering and displaying a web page, handling user interactions, or running JavaScript code.
See also: Front-end frameworks: What is important right now?
What are the differences?
One of the main differences between server-side and client-side processes is the amount of control and access to resources that each has. Server-side processes have access to the server's resources, such as its CPU, memory, and storage, as well as any databases or other servers that the web application uses. Client-side processes, on the other hand, have access only to the resources of the user's device, such as its CPU, memory, and storage.
Another difference between server-side and client-side processes is the level of trust that can be placed in them. Because server-side processes are executed on the web server, they are typically more secure and less vulnerable to tampering or malicious attacks. Client-side processes, on the other hand, are executed on the user's device, which means that they are potentially less secure and more susceptible to tampering or attacks.
Summary
In summary, server-side and client-side refer to the location where certain tasks or processes are carried out in a web application. Server-side processes are executed on the web server, while client-side processes are executed on the user's device. These processes have different levels of access to resources and trust, and they play different roles in the overall functioning of a web application.
Overall, understanding the difference between server-side and client-side processes is important for web developers who want to create high-quality web applications that are secure, scalable, and user-friendly.
Key take-aways
- Server-side and client-side refer to the location where certain tasks or processes are carried out in a web application.
- Server-side processes are executed on the web server before the web application is delivered to the user's device.
- Client-side processes are executed on the user's device after the web application is delivered.
- Server-side processes have more access to resources and are more secure, while client-side processes have less access to resources and are potentially less secure.
