Chalem Systems Group Glossary of Important Database Terminology: Thin Client

Thin Client

Refers to the web browser in a software application that runs on a web server and a number of web browsers. In traditional mainframe applications, the client is a "dumb terminal;" that is, a device with a keyboard, a display screen, and just enough electronics to transmit information typed into the keyboard and display information received from the mainframe.

In client/server applications, the client is a personal computer -- often, one running Microsoft Windows. Data manipulation takes place on the server, and interaction with the user is processed on the client. This type of client is sometimes called a "fat client," since it must be capable of running a complex operating system along with the application software.

In browser-based applications, both the data manipulation and the user interaction are processed on servers. The only requirement of the client is that it be capable of running a web browser. Thus, a user's computer running a browser-based application is called a "thin client." Today, web browsers are still typically run on "fat" computers running Windows or MacOS. But the role of "thin client" can also be filled by a much simpler device that acts only as a web browser.