serveronly

serveronly refers to a concept or configuration in software development where certain functionalities or code are strictly intended to run on the server-side and are not exposed or executable on the client-side, such as in a web browser. This is often implemented for security reasons, to protect sensitive data or logic, or to improve performance by offloading complex computations to the more powerful server.

In web applications, client-side code (like JavaScript running in a browser) typically handles user interface interactions and visual elements. Server-side code, on the other hand, manages databases, business logic, authentication, and data processing. Designating a piece of code as serveronly ensures that it is never sent to the client's browser, preventing potential tampering, reverse engineering, or unauthorized access to critical operations.

This approach is fundamental in many modern web frameworks and architectures, including Model-View-Controller (MVC) patterns and single-page applications (SPAs) that leverage APIs. By keeping sensitive operations serveronly, developers can maintain a robust security posture and ensure the integrity of their application's core functionality. For example, payment processing or user authentication logic would almost always be serveronly to prevent fraudulent activities. The term emphasizes a clear separation of concerns between the client and the server.