What is client/server computing?
Client/server computing developed from the need to move systems used for application development and operations from expensive mainframes to more efficient, less expensive–yet just as powerful–workstations. Client/server architecture involves the use of two types of computers: a client computer, which runs applications and makes requests for data and other resources, and a server, which processes the client’s requests by distributing the requested resources. Client/server computing is known as a cooperative distribution system because both the client and the server cooperate in performing a task. For example, if a client requests a record from the server, the server uses its resources to process the entire file, while the client computer uses its resources to run an application that reads and writes individual records in the file. The server does not need to send the entire file to the client, thus diminishing network traffic or traffic over communication lines. Client/server computi
