Rich client

In computer networking, a rich client (also called a heavy, fat or thick client) is a computer (a "client" in client–server network architecture) that typically provides rich functionality independent of the central server. This kind of computer was originally known as just a "client" or "thick client,"[1] in contrast with "thin client", which describes a computer heavily dependent on a server's applications. A rich client may be described as having a rich user interaction.[2]

While a rich client still requires at least a periodic connection to a network or central server [citation needed], it is often characterised by the ability to perform many functions without a connection. In contrast, a thin client generally does as little processing as possible on the client, relying on access to the server each time input data needs to be processed or validated.

  1. ^ "Thick Client Definition". www.techterms.com.
  2. ^ "Rich User Interaction of Ajax". Archived from the original on 2017-09-19. Retrieved 2018-12-23.