Client and Server Question

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of running code on the client, and of running code on the server?
  (10 marks)
• Marking scheme:
  3 points for client positives
  2 points for client negatives
  3 points for server positives
  2 points for server negatives Note that there may be other pros and cons on either that I've not included.
• Sample answer:
  Client side code has the advantage of keeping the information on the client's machine, and thus more secure. However, from the client's perspective, it's a processing disadvantage because the code has to be run by the client. With modern, relatively heavy clients, this is not usually a problem, but can cause the machine to run slowly. Similarly, very thin clients (like some low end phones) may not have support for running the client side code. Running the code on the server, means that the server may have to process code from a lot of clients, and this is a cost for the server. On the positive side, the server can then retain the information, and can combine information from all the users. Getting the client/server trade-off is complex, but it is important as it can make the overall application more useful.