Client-side scripting

Client-side scripting generally refers to the class of computer programs on the web that are executed client-side, by the user's web browser, instead of server-side (on the web server). Web authors write client-side scripts in languages such as JavaScript (Client-side JavaScript).

In contrast, server-side scripts, written in languages such as PHP, are executed by the web server when the user requests a document. They produce output in a format understandable by web browsers (usually HTML), which is then sent to the user's computer.

Client-side scripts have greater access to the information and functions available on the user's browser, whereas server-side scripts have greater access to the information and functions available on the server.

Server-side scripts require that their language's interpreter be installed on the server, and produce the same output regardless of the client's browser, operating system. Client-side scripts require that the user's web browser understands the scripting language in which they are written.