Client side vs Server side: Everything you need to know

Understanding the differences between client- and server-side scripting allows you to tailor your website to individual users. 

So in this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about client-side and server-side scripting. We’ll look at some client-side vs. server-side examples while answering some commonly asked questions.

What do client side and server side mean?

Client-side computers request information while server side serves this information.

Let’s take the internet as an example. Client computers are your mobile phones, laptops, desktops, and tablets. So when you go to websites like YouTube, your devices request information from YouTube servers.

You’re the client because your browser asks YouTube if you can watch videos and view web pages. The server computer serves this information, allowing for a seamless browsing experience.

Now that we know what client side and server side mean, let’s cover the differences.

What are the differences between client-side and server-side scripting?

We know that server and client side are web development terms that describe where code runs.

But what does scripting mean? Scripting simply refers to programming languages that automate tasks a human would normally complete. 

So client side scripting runs code like JavaScript on your phone or desktop while server-side scripting runs on the back-end server. That way, it can deliver dynamic content to web pages in response to the client device.

For example, if you type your username and password into a website, the request from the client side goes to the server, and processing occurs. Once complete, the server responds to the client with the results.

Client-side vs. server-side languages

Client side uses the following scripting languages: 

• CSS
• HTML
• JavaScript

It also sends requests via web browsers like Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Safari. This allows you to receive server information within seconds.

Server side uses coding languages like:

• PHP
• Java
• C#

Note that JavaScript can be used for client-side and server-side scripting. 

Server-side scripting makes use of hosting platforms like GoDaddy, Siteground, and Bluehost, alongside databases like Oracle.

To find out if a language is client or server side, you have to look at where the language is compiled. If this process takes place on your computer, it’s a client-side language. And if it’s on the server, it’s a server-side language.

Let’s say you’re loading a standard web page and your browser asks for an HTML page. The server will also give you any associated CSS and JavaScript files. We receive this on the client side, but since CSS and HTML are markup languages, they aren’t compiled. JavaScript is a scripting language, so it is gathered on our computer.

But what about server-side languages like PHP? These languages will do the compilation on the server and give you the output. For example, let’s say you have a PHP file that says “Hello, World.” On the client side, all you’ll see is the output because PHP runs on the server, and it produces the string, “Hello, World.” This way, you don’t have to see the PHP syntax.

Now that we know the difference between client and server side languages, let’s look at client-side vs. server-side web development.

Client-side vs. server-side web development

Client-side or front-end web developers use their programming talents to create visually appealing websites for users. This means they build homepages, shopping pages, and slideshows.

Server-side or back-end developers create, design, and manage server-side code responsible for data exchange. They specialize in languages like Python, PHP, and Java and help keep your visitor’s information private while ensuring your website runs without any issues.

FAQs

What is client-side vs. server-side rendering?

Server-side rendering displays the full HTML page on the first load while client side shows an empty page before loading. This makes server-side rendering better for ranking on search engines because it speeds up loading time.

Is JavaScript client side or server side?

You can use JavaScript for both client-side and server-side scripting. This means it’s helpful when designing website layouts and managing server-side code for data exchange.

Web development made easy with Lytics

In short, client side is when an action takes place on the user’s computer, while server side is any action completed on the web server. 

Understanding the differences between client-side vs. server-side storage is essential. This is because client-side web development allows you to build your website around your customers’ needs. This is where Lytics can help.

Lytics gathers all customer data under one roof so you can use this data to create a website that appeals to your audience’s pain points.

So if you’re looking to take your website to the next level, sign up for a free Lytics trial.