Client-Server Model: Interview Questions and Answers

1. Fundamental Questions

1. What is the client-server model, and how does it work?

●​ The client-server model is a computing architecture where clients request services,

and servers provide them.​

●​ Clients initiate communication, while servers listen for incoming requests and
respond accordingly.​

●​ Common protocols used: HTTP, FTP, DNS, SMTP, etc.​

●​ Example: When a user visits a website, the browser (client) requests the webpage
from a web server.​

2. How does a client communicate with a server?

●​ Clients communicate with servers via a network (Internet, LAN, Wi-Fi).​

●​ They use standard protocols such as HTTP, TCP/IP, and WebSockets.​

●​ The communication is typically in a request-response format.​

●​ Example: A mobile app sending an API request to a backend server.​

3. What are some real-world examples of the client-server model?

●​ Web browsing: Browsers request web pages from web servers.​

●​ Email services: Email clients (Gmail, Outlook) communicate with mail servers
(SMTP, IMAP, POP3).​

●​ Streaming services: Clients (Netflix app) request video streams from media servers.​

●​ Online gaming: Players (clients) interact with a game server that manages
gameplay.​

4. What is the difference between a client and a server?

●​ Client: Requests data or services (e.g., a web browser fetching a webpage).​

 ●​ Server: Processes requests and returns responses (e.g., a web server hosting a
website).​

●​ Clients are typically user-facing applications, while servers handle business logic and
data processing.​

2. Request-Response Cycle Questions

5. Explain the HTTP request-response cycle with an example.

●​ The HTTP request-response cycle involves the following steps:​

1.​ A client (browser) sends an HTTP request (e.g., GET /[Link]).​

2.​ The request is transmitted over the network to the web server.​

3.​ The server processes the request (fetches the requested resource, queries a
database if needed).​

4.​ The server sends back an HTTP response (status code + requested data).​

5.​ The browser renders the response (displays the webpage).​

●​ Example: Visiting [Link] triggers an HTTP request to the web

server, which responds with the website’s HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files.​

6. What are the key differences between synchronous and asynchronous

communication?

●​ Synchronous Communication:​

○​ The client sends a request and waits for the server’s response before
continuing.​

○​ Example: REST API requests.​

●​ Asynchronous Communication:​

○​ The client sends a request but does not wait for a response before
proceeding.​

○​ Example: WebSockets for real-time messaging, AJAX requests in web

applications.​
7. How does a browser load a webpage? Walk me through the steps.

1.​ User enters a URL (e.g., [Link]

2.​ The browser queries the DNS server to resolve the domain name to an IP address.​

3.​ The browser sends an HTTP GET request to the web server.​

4.​ The web server processes the request and retrieves the required resources (HTML,
CSS, JavaScript, images).​

5.​ The server sends an HTTP response with a status code and the requested data.​

6.​ The browser parses and renders the content for the user.​

3. Architecture and Design Questions

8. What is the difference between stateless and stateful servers?

●​ Stateless Servers:​

○​ Do not retain client session data between requests.​

○​ Example: REST APIs, HTTP servers.​

○​ Advantage: Scalability and easy load balancing.​

●​ Stateful Servers:​

○​ Maintain session information for clients.​

○​ Example: WebSockets for chat applications, online banking sessions.​

○​ Advantage: Personalized and persistent user experiences.​

9. How does caching improve performance in a client-server model?

●​ Caching reduces the need for repeated data fetching, improving speed and reducing
server load.​

●​ Types of caching:​

○​ Browser Cache: Stores static assets (CSS, JS, images) locally.​

 ○​ CDN (Content Delivery Network): Caches content geographically closer to
users.​

○​ Server-side Cache: Stores frequently accessed database queries or API

responses.​

○​ Database Cache: Uses Redis or Memcached to store query results.​

10. How do load balancers work in a client-server architecture?

●​ Load balancers distribute incoming client requests across multiple servers.​

●​ They prevent overload on a single server, improving reliability and scalability.​

●​ Load balancing strategies:​

○​ Round Robin: Requests are distributed in a circular manner.​

○​ Least Connections: Requests go to the server with the fewest active

connections.​

○​ IP Hashing: Requests from the same IP address go to the same server.​

4. Advanced Questions

11. What are some security challenges in the client-server model?

●​ Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks: Data interception; mitigated by HTTPS

encryption.​

●​ DDoS Attacks: Overloading a server with excessive requests; mitigated by rate

limiting and CDNs.​

●​ SQL Injection: Malicious database queries; prevented using parameterized queries.​

●​ Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Injecting malicious scripts into web pages.​

12. How does WebSockets differ from traditional request-response communication?

●​ WebSockets:​

○​ Enable real-time, bidirectional communication between the client and

server.​
 ○​ Unlike HTTP, WebSockets keep the connection open for continuous data
exchange.​

○​ Used in chat applications, stock price updates, real-time gaming.​

●​ Traditional HTTP:​

○​ Follows a request-response cycle.​

○​ Each request requires a new connection.​

○​ Better suited for static content retrieval.​

13. What are some limitations of the client-server model? How can they be
addressed?

●​ Single Point of Failure: A central server can become a bottleneck.​

○​ Solution: Use load balancing, replication, and failover mechanisms.​

●​ Scalability Issues: High traffic can overwhelm the server.​

○​ Solution: Implement horizontal scaling (adding more servers) and caching

strategies.​

●​ Security Risks: Centralized data can be a target for attacks.​

○​ Solution: Implement encryption, authentication, and firewalls.​

14. How would you design a scalable client-server system for a high-traffic
application?

●​ Use Load Balancers to distribute traffic.​

●​ Implement Caching (CDN, Redis, Memcached) to reduce load.​

●​ Use Microservices instead of a monolithic architecture.​

●​ Scale horizontally by adding more servers.​

●​ Optimize Database Queries using indexing and read replicas.​

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