nonclient

Nonclient is a term used in computing to describe elements that are not clients in a client-server relationship, or, in graphical user interface terminology, areas of a window outside the part used by the application.

In client-server models, nonclient components include servers, services, middleware, and administration utilities that do not act as end-user clients; they provide hosting, coordination, or support for other parts of the system.

In GUI programming, the non-client area of a window comprises the title bar, borders, menus, and scroll bars; it is rendered by the window manager or operating system, while the client area is the region where the application draws its own content.

Terminology varies. Nonclient may be written as non-client or nonclient depending on style guides, and its exact meaning depends on the domain.

See also: client-server model; Windows non-client area; window chrome.