Client is a computer system or program that accesses resources on a network or requests services from a server. It can refer to a software application or network node that communicates with a server for accessing information, files, or services. Clients can also refer to the user themselves, who can request access to a network or request services from a server.
A client-server relationship is a type of network architecture that is created when a client system requests and receives services from a server. The server will respond to the client, providing the requested services. The client can either be a computer program, such as a web browser, or a person using a network. The server will provide the data, information, or services that the client requests.
In order for a client to receive network services, it must first have access to the network. This means that the client system must be connected to the network in some way, usually through a network interface card (NIC) or wireless connection. Once connected, the client can request services from the server.
Some common examples of client-server architecture include web browsers, email, instant messaging, and social networks. In these cases, the client will typically be a person accessing the server, while the server provides the resources requested by the client. When a person visits a website, their web browser (the client) is connecting to the website server, which is providing the webpages, images, and other content requested by the person.
Throughout computer networks, the client-server model is widely used and is an integral part of many applications. The client-server architecture is highly scalable and can be used to create complex networks of many clients and servers. It also facilitates the sharing of resources between computers on the network.
