What does the term 'Client' refer to in web terms?

In web terms, the term 'Client' refers to the host device being used by the user. This device can be a computer, smartphone, tablet, or any other type of equipment that connects to the internet to interact with web services or applications. When a user accesses a website, for instance, their device acts as a client that sends requests to the server where the website is hosted. The server processes the request and responds with the requested information, which the client then displays.

Understanding this is crucial, as it emphasizes the client-server model of web architecture, where the client is responsible for requesting resources and the server responds to those requests. This distinction is vital when studying how web applications function and how data is exchanged over the internet.