Client Server Defined

The client-server programming model is a distributed computing architecture that segregates information users (clients) from information providers (servers).

  • A client is an application that needs something like a web page or IP address from a server. Clients may contact a server for this information at any time. Clients are information users.
  • A server is an application that provides information or resources to clients. It needs to be always up and running, waiting for requests from clients.

Client applications communicate only with server applications and vice versa. Clients do not communicate directly with other clients.

An alternative to the client-server architecture is the Peer to Peer (P2P) architecture. In these architectures two or more hosts communicate directly with each other.

© 2024 Microchip Technology, Inc.
Notice: ARM and Cortex are the registered trademarks of ARM Limited in the EU and other countries.
Information contained on this site regarding device applications and the like is provided only for your convenience and may be superseded by updates. It is your responsibility to ensure that your application meets with your specifications. MICROCHIP MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR ORAL, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, RELATED TO THE INFORMATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ITS CONDITION, QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PURPOSE. Microchip disclaims all liability arising from this information and its use. Use of Microchip devices in life support and/or safety applications is entirely at the buyer's risk, and the buyer agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Microchip from any and all damages, claims, suits, or expenses resulting from such use. No licenses are conveyed, implicitly or otherwise, under any Microchip intellectual property rights.