Difference between client side and server side

 

The scripts can be created in two different ways: at the client end or at the server end (back end) (server end). The primary distinction between server-side scripting and client-side scripting is that the processing of server-side scripts takes place on a server. Contrarily, client-side scripting does not communicate with the server while processing the client-side scripts; rather, it necessitates that browsers execute the scripts on the client computer.

A script is generally a series of program or instruction, which has to be executed on other program or application. As we know that the web works in a client-server environment. The client-side script executes the code to the client side which is visible to the users while a server-side script is executed in the server end which users cannot see.

Definition of Client Side Scripting

In simpler terms, it just means running scripts on the client device usually within the browser. It refers to the output that is requested to the server by the end users. JavaScript is the primary language used in client side scripting. It is the most popular language that works with all kinds of programs. The main uses of the client side scripting includes- information approval, designing and page route. 

Features of Client Side Scripting

• It is developed to perform code on which the web browser runs and the user gets the input results.
• There is no interaction with the server, the only interaction done is in receiving the data requested.
• It allows more interactivity with the clients using the browser and validates program and functionality according to the request.

Languages used in Client Side Scripting

VBScript, jQuery, HTML & CSS

HTML: The basic building elements of web programming, it gives the website a framework. It explains how the content is organised.

CSS: CSS offers a method for creating graphic elements that contribute to a web application’s more appealing appearance.

JavaScript: Although there are currently several JavaScript frameworks being used as server-side scripting technologies, JavaScript is also a client-side scripting language that was primarily created for the express purpose.

Definition of Server Side Scripting

Server side scripting uses scripts on a web server that produces a response customized for each client’s request to the website. It can also access the file system residing at the webserver. The scripts are written in various server side scripting languages available. 

Features of Server Side Scripting

• It is useful for retrieving and generating content for dynamic pages
• It is required to download plugins
• It reduces the client side computation overhead
• It is related to accessing data, error handling and quick processing of the data.
• It provides responses to every request made by the client.

Languages used in server side scripting

Following the development of CGI, numerous programming languages, including PHP, Python, Ruby, ColdFusion, C#, Java, C++, and others, were created for server-side scripting, some of which are detailed below.

The most widely used server-side language on the internet, PHP, was created to retrieve and manipulate data from databases. For the database, the language is used in conjunction with SQL. Facebook, WordPress, and Wikipedia all use it.

Python is a quick language with concise code. As it focuses on the readability and simplicity of the code, it is suitable for novices. Python works well in an object-oriented context and is utilised on well-known websites like Google, YouTube, and others.

Ruby: It has sophisticated logic that packages the

Now let’s look at the difference between Client Side Scripting & Server Side Scripting

Point of Difference	Client Side Scripting	Server Side Scripting
Basic Function	The basic function of the client side scripting is to provide the requested output to the end user.	The basic function of server side scripting is to manipulate and give access to the required database as per the record.
Application	It is used at the front end where the user can see the browsed items	It is used at the back end where the data is processed and not visible to the client user.
Code Permissions	Here the user can access the code written after verifying the user’s need.	Here the user cannot access the code as the backend developer can hide the source code.
Communication	There is no need for any interaction with the server at the client side.	The server side is all about communication with the servers.
Function	It is used for visibility and getting the required data from the database.	It is used for the customization and modification of the data to make dynamic changes to the website.
Security	It is less secure as the accessibility of the code is provided to the client.	It is considered more secure as the access rights only lie with the developer.
Connectivity	It does not connect with the database at the server	It helps connect with the database & retrieve the data requested.
Data Access	It does not have access to the data present in the web servers. However, the files can be uploaded from the front end.	It has total access to the files that are stored on the web servers.
Frequency	It occurs only when the browser processes all the code and it responds according to the query/request.	It becomes active only after the client makes the browsing request
Languages	HTML, JavaScript, CSS are used on the client side.	PHP, Python, Ruby Node Js are used on the server side.

 

Key Differences Between Server-side Scripting and Client-side Scripting

1. Server-side scripting is used at the backend, where the source code is not viewable or hidden at the client side (browser). On the other hand, client-side scripting is used at the front end which users can see from the browser.
2. When a server-side script is processed it communicates to the server. As against, client-side scripting does not need any server interaction.
3. The client-side scripting language involves languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript. In contrast, programming languages such as PHP, ASP.net, Ruby, ColdFusion, Python, C#, Java, C++, etc.
4. Server-side scripting is useful in customizing the web pages and implement the dynamic changes in the websites. Conversely, the client-side script can effectively minimize the load to the server.
5. Server-side scripting is more secure than client-side scripting as the server side scripts are usually hidden from the client end, while a client-side script is visible to the users.

 

In order for a programming language to do its job, the computer has to understand the language its speaking.

Almost every computer in the world understands one programming language: JavaScript. For this reason, most things that can be accomplished using JavaScript can be done without needing access to a web server. Thus, though you are usually connected to the Internet when you run JavaScript scripts, you could just as easily disconnect from the Internet and run those same scripts on your computer (the client-side).

On the other hand, if you want to use a programming language (Ruby, PHP, and Python, etc) you need access to a server that understands the language. Tasks that need to be accomplished with those languages happen on that server, meaning they are done server-side.

But can’t I just install a programming language on my computer?

Yes, you can install programming languages on your computer but that still won’t let you find out your bank account balance without being connect to your bank’s servers.

The reason for this is databases. Data storage is the other thing that is usually handled server-side. If data was stored client-side, your bank would have to keep track of thousands if not millions of user databases all over the world. Instead, they keep all their user data in one centralized database where they  have easy access to it, and you do too via the Internet.

Conclusion

Collaboration between server-side scripting and client-side scripting is possible. The client-side scripting, on the other hand, concentrates on improving the web application or website’s interface so that it is more aesthetically pleasing and useful. Server-side scripting, on the other hand, primarily focuses on data access strategies, rapid processing, error management, etc.

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Thanks Tech peak for this post.