In the context of web development, what is a 'client'?

In web development, the term 'client' refers to any device or application that requests resources from a server. This can include various forms of hardware, such as computers, smartphones, or tablets, that connect to the internet to access services and content hosted on servers. Clients typically run web browsers that allow users to interact with web pages and applications.

When a client sends a request to a server over the internet, it is usually done through the HTTP or HTTPS protocols, which define how messages are formatted and transmitted. The server processes this request, retrieves the necessary resources—like HTML, CSS, JavaScript files, images, or other data—and then sends it back to the client.

The other options describe different components of web architecture but do not align with the definition of a 'client.' For instance, a server is specifically responsible for delivering those resources, while a service managing networks or a web page viewed by users represents different functionalities or layers in a web environment. Understanding the role of the client is crucial for developing responsive and user-oriented web applications, as it highlights the need to optimize the delivery of content and improve user experience on various devices.