Rich client

<p>In <a href="/facts/Computer_network/3w5RM99p">computer networking</a>, a rich client (also called a heavy, fat or thick client) is a <a href="/facts/Computer/SQe1aK05">computer</a> (a "<a href="/facts/Client_(computing)/u0wlVsWI">client</a>" in <a href="/facts/Client%E2%80%93server/FSnf27C5">client–server</a> network architecture) that typically provides rich functionality independent of the central <a href="/facts/Server_(computing)/dEaYFD7r">server</a>. This kind of computer was originally known as just a "client" or "thick client," in contrast with "<a href="/facts/Thin_client/GtBdBho5">thin client</a>", which describes a computer heavily dependent on a server's applications. A rich client may be described as having a rich user interaction.
</p><p>While a rich client still requires at least a periodic connection to a network or central server , 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.
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Rich client open-in-new

Rich client