Word of the Day: 3-tier application architecture

Word of the Day Daily updates on the latest technology terms | May 24, 2019 3-tier application architecture A 3-tier application architecture is a modular client-server architecture that consists of a presentation tier, an application tier and a data tier. The data tier stores information, the application tier handles logic and the presentation tier is a graphical user interface (GUI) that communicates with the other two tiers. The three tiers are logical, not physical, and may or may not run on the same physical server. Presentation tier - This tier, which is built with HTML5, JavaScript and cascading style sheets (CSS), is deployed to a computing device through a web browser or a web-based application. The presentation tier communicates with the other tiers through application program interface (API) calls.   Application tier - The application tier, which may also be referred to as the logic tier, is written in a programming language such as Java, Python or Ruby and contains the business logic that supports the application's core functions. The underlying application tier can either be hosted on distributed servers in the cloud or on a dedicated in-house server, depending on how much processing power the application requires.   Data tier - The data tier consists of a database and a program for managing read and write access to the database. This tier may also be referred to as the storage tier and can be hosted on-premises or in the cloud. Popular database systems for managing read/write access include MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server and MongoDB. The benefits of using a 3-layer architecture include improved scalability, performance and availability. With three tiers or parts, each part can be developed concurrently by a different team of programmers coding in different languages from the other tier developers. Because the programming for a tier can be changed or relocated without affecting the other tiers, the 3-tier model makes it easier for an enterprise or software packager to continually evolve an application as new needs and opportunities arise. Existing applications or critical parts can be permanently or temporarily retained and encapsulated within the new tier of which it becomes a component.   3-tier application programs may also be referred to as n-tier programs. In this context, the letter "n" stands for 'a number of tiers.' Quote of the Day "The goal for building out a 4-tier architecture is, essentially, the same as the 3-tier architecture: keep the construction of business solutions simple, scalable and maintainable." - Matthew David Trending Terms business logic client/server distributed n-tier service-oriented architecture application server Learning Center Adopting a 4-tier architecture for mobile solutions Matthew David explains why the 4-tier architecture is gaining increased importance and how to manage this kind of architecture appropriately. Essential Guide: The latest on enterprise architecture strategy Enterprise architecture management can be tricky. But this guide can help your enterprise cultivate a successful enterprise architecture strategy. Create a cloud development environment for on-premises apps A cloud development environment benefits both developers and IT ops working with on-premises apps, saving money and time. Should you consider microservice architecture for mobile? A microservice architecture can help deliver new business tools fast. But should developers consider using it with mobile? Matthew David offers his insight. Designing a modern enterprise architecture Kurt Marko examines how modern enterprise architecture must be designed in order to keep up with distributed computing trends. Quiz Yourself In information technology, an ___________ specifies the overall structure, logical components, and the logical interrelationships of an information system. a. architecture b. infrastructure Answer Stay in Touch For feedback about any of our definitions or to suggest a new definition, please contact me at: mrouse@techtarget.com Visit the Word of the Day Archives and catch up on what you've missed! FOLLOW US About This E-Newsletter This e-newsletter is published by the TechTarget network. To unsubscribe from Whatis.com, click here. Please note, this will not affect any other subscriptions you have signed up for. TechTarget, Whatis, 275 Grove Street, Newton, MA 02466. Contact: webmaster@techtarget.com Copyright 2018 TechTarget. All rights reserved.