What is a Thick Client?

Definition of Thick Client

The thick client is referred to a computing workstation that is composed of complete or most components essential for operating and executing software applications independently. It is one of the component in client-server computing architecture that is connected to the server through a network connection and doesn’t consume any computing resources of the server to execute applications.

A thick client is also known as the fat or rich client.

Brief Description of Thick Client

A thick client is a type of client device in a client-server architecture that has most hardware resources on board to perform computation operations, run applications and other functions independently. A thick client though having the capability to perform most operations requires connectivity with the primary server to download programs, data and or for updating the operating system.

It is generally implemented in computing environments when the primary server has limited computing and storage capacity to facilitate client machines, low network speeds and or there is a need for offline working.