3-Tier Distributed Architecture and Beyond

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to 3-Tier Distributed Architecture, client-server models, cloud computing, internet protocols, development stacks, and remote procedure calls based on the lecture notes.

3-Tier Distributed Architecture

A foundation of modern software systems characterized by three logical computing layers.

Traditional Mainframe

A single central processing system providing all computing power to dumb terminals.

Distributed Systems

Systems where data and processing are divided across networked computers with specific roles.

Client-Server Model

An architecture involving the integration of data and services across multiple application tiers.

One-Tier Architecture

A simple program on a single computer without network access.

Two-Tier Architecture

An architecture where the client GUI and server domain logic are connected by a protocol.

Three-Tier Architecture

An architecture featuring presentation, application, and data layers for a modular design.

N-Tier Architecture

An architecture with multiple logical layers and physical separation for scalability.

Presentation Layer (3-Tier Architecture)

Sends HTML/JS/CSS content to browsers using frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.

Application Layer (3-Tier Architecture)

Processes business logic using languages like PHP, Java, Python, or C#.

Data Layer (3-Tier Architecture)

Manages database systems such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB for data access.

Thick Client

A client computing classification that provides rich functionality and performs the majority of data processing locally.

Thin Client

A lightweight computer that relies heavily on server resources for processing.

Hybrid Client

A client computing classification that combines characteristics of both thick and thin clients, storing data on the server but capable of local processing.

On-Demand Self-Service (Cloud Computing)

A fundamental aspect of cloud computing where consumers obtain computing capabilities automatically as needed.

Ubiquitous Access (Cloud Computing)

A characteristic of cloud computing where resources are accessible via standard network devices, including mobile platforms.

Rapid Elasticity (Cloud Computing)

A feature of cloud computing enabling resources to be rapidly provisioned or decreased to meet changing demand.

Measured Service (Cloud Computing)

A cloud computing fundamental where charges are based on actual resource usage with transparent monitoring.

Public Cloud

A cloud deployment model offering lower costs, no hardware purchase or maintenance, near-unlimited scalability, and high reliability (e.g., Microsoft Azure).

Private Cloud

A cloud deployment model offering more flexibility for customization, enhanced control and privacy, better scalability than on-premises, and dedicated resources for an organization (e.g., used by government agencies, financial institutions).

TCP/IP

The core communications protocol for establishing connections and ensuring packet delivery over the internet.

HTTP/HTTPS

The transfer protocol for web pages, with HTTPS adding SSL/TLS security for encrypted communications.

SMTP/POP3/IMAP

Email protocols used for sending (SMTP) and retrieving (POP3/IMAP) messages from mail servers.

FTP

File Transfer Protocol used for moving large files between a client and a server.

LAMP Stack

An open-source web development solution comprising Linux (Operating system), Apache (Web server), MySQL (Database), and PHP (Server-side scripting).

MEAN Stack

A JavaScript-based full-stack solution consisting of MongoDB (NoSQL database), Express.js (Web framework), Angular (Frontend framework), and Node.js (Runtime environment).

Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

A mechanism that enables distributed systems by extending local procedure calls across networks, handling errors like timeouts, version mismatches, and server crashes, involving a client request, server processing, and response.