What Does A Client Process Do?

The client is a process that sends a message to a server process, requesting that the server perform a service.

Client programs usually manage the user-interface portion of the application, validate data entered by the user, dispatch requests to server programs, and sometimes execute business logic. The client-based process is the front-end of the application that the user sees and interacts with.

The client process often manages the local resources that the user interacts with such as the monitor, keyboard, and peripherals.

One of the key elements of a client workstation is the graphical user interface (GUI). Normally a part of operating system, i.e. the window manager detects user actions, manages the windows on the display, and displays the data in the windows.

What Does A Server Process Do?

Server programs generally receive requests from client programs, execute database retrieval and updates, manage data integrity and dispatch responses to client requests. The server-based process may run on another machine on the network. This server could be the host operating system or network file server, providing file system services and application services.

The server process often manages shared resources such as databases, printers, communication links, or high powered-processors. The server process performs the back-end tasks that are common to similar applications.