Web-Based Application Basics

The basic schematic diagram of the client-server interaction for a web-based application is shown in Figure 27.1. The application resides on the server machine. Client machines send requests to access the application to the server through a web browser running on the client machine. The request will include any input parameters needed to run the application. The application is then executed on the server and the results sent back to the client. The web browser on the client machine displays the output received from the server.

Figure 27.1. Client-server relationship diagram

The server-side application waits passively for client requests. When the server receives a client request, it extracts the input parameters and runs the application. The server then sends the output back to the client machine. It is up to the server to define a mechanism that will interface with the client machine and receive and respond to client requests.