A fat client (also called a heavy, rich, or thick client) is a computer (client) in client-server architecture or networks that typically provides rich functionality independent of the central server
A fat client (also called a heavy, rich, or thick client) is a computer (client) in client-server architecture or networks that typically provides rich functionality independent of the central server. Originally known as just a "client" or "thick client" the name is contrasted to a thin client, which describes a computer heavily dependent on a server's applications.
A fat client still requires at least periodic connection to a network or central server but is often characterized by the ability to perform many functions without that connection. In contrast, a thin client generally does as little processing as possible and relies on accessing the server each time input data needs to be processed or validated.
