Supportsoft Glossary

Backend Processing Supporting Applications

The term "server side" is assigned to the work done by web servers, which is generally out of view from the end-user's perspective (i.e., user interface). This includes processing all the actions performed by end users when they interact with a web page or application. Examples of websites that use server-side processing include submitting a form, logging into an account, retrieving information from an API, or making a payment.

When users perform an activity on a website, the request will be processed by the corresponding web server, and the resulting outcome will be sent back as the user's response. Because of how these requests are handled, server-side processing also has the advantage of being able to keep sensitive actions safe. Such actions as validating a user's identity, checking for sufficient funds, or looking up information will all happen at the server level rather than the user level, thus eliminating the chances for hacking, fraud, or death.

There are many server-side technologies that a developer would use to maintain their applications, including PHP, Node.js, Python, Ruby, Java, .NET, and numerous frameworks. A developer who builds an application with a solidly functioning server-side architecture has created a high-performing, reliable, and scalable digital solution that can operate from small- to huge-scale applications dealing with millions of users at the same time. Thus, the server-side of digital systems provides the foundation on which the end users can expect to experience seamless and secured transactions.