Klientprograms

Klientprograms are software applications that run on end-user devices and interact with services hosted on servers across a network. In client-server architectures, the client handles the user interface, presents data to the user, and may perform local processing, while servers store data, enforce business rules, and execute centralized computations. Clients send requests to servers using network protocols such as HTTP(S) or sockets and exchange data in formats like JSON or XML.

Types and characteristics: Thick or fat clients perform substantial processing locally, provide offline capabilities, and manage local data stores. Thin clients rely primarily on servers for processing and data management, often with minimal local logic. Modern client programs commonly combine both approaches, using local caches, API calls, and server-side rendering as appropriate.

Examples include web browsers, desktop email clients, calendar and productivity apps, chat clients, and specialized database or file transfer clients. Mobile apps and progressive web apps are also considered client programs, interacting with back-end services through APIs.

Development considerations include platform dependencies, update mechanisms, and security. Designers must handle authentication, data synchronization, offline support, and secure data transmission. The distinction from server programs is that client programs run on user devices and provide the user interface and local interaction, whereas servers host services and data and handle bulk processing.

See also: client–server model, API, web application, desktop application.