Two-Tier Architecture
Introduction
Two-tier architecture was developed in the 1980s from the file server software architecture
design. This two-tier architecture is intended to improve usability by supporting a forms-based,
user-friendly interface. The two-tier architecture improves scalability by accommodating up to
100 users. This architecture is mainly used in non-complex, non-time critical information
processing systems.
Now we will discuss this architecture in detail.
What is Two-Tier Architecture?
A two-tier system consists of a server and a client. In a two-tier system, the database is stored
on the server, and the interface installed on the client is used to access the database.
The user system interface is generally located in the user's desktop and the database
management services are generally in a server that is a more powerful machine that services
many clients. Processing management is split between the user system interface environment
and the database management server environment. The database management server provides
stored procedures and triggers.
Example of Two-Tier DBMS Architecture
Client Layer
• User Interface (UI): This layer includes applications that users interact with directly. For
example, a web application used by employees to manage inventory in a retail store.
• Database Client: It communicates with the database server to send queries and
receive results. In our example, this could be SQL queries generated by the UI to fetch
inventory details or update stock levels.
Server Layer
• Database Server: This layer manages and stores the actual data. It responds to queries
from the client, processes transactions, and maintains data integrity.
• DBMS (Database Management System): The software responsible for managing the
database on the server. Examples include MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Oracle Database.
Check this out, Data Warehouse Architecture
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Characteristics of 2 Tier Architecture
• Two-tier architectures consist of three components distributed in two layers - client and
server. These components are
o 1) User system interface
o 2) Processing management
o 3)Database management.
• Two-tier architecture allocates the user system interface exclusively to the client.
• This architecture places database management on the server and splits the processing
management between client and server, creating two layers.
Advantages of 2 Tier Architecture
• As processing is shared between the client and server, many users can interact with a
two-tier architecture system.
• The two-tier architecture improves scalability.
• It also improves flexibility by allowing data to be shared within a homogenous
environment.
• The two-tier architecture requires minimal operator intervention.
Disadvantages of 2 Tier Architecture
• The performance of this architecture degrades when the number of users increases.
• In this case, it is difficult to implement reliable security as users need to have login
information for every database server.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the use cases of two-tier architecture?
Two-tier architectures are often used when the user requirements are moderately heavy, and
the system is expected to have minimum interactions and maintenance.
What are some limitations of a two-tier architecture?
The major limitations of using two-tier architecture patterns for designing systems are:
1. Since there is a separation between the server and the client in this type of architecture,
the overhead and the cost of the maintenance of the system increase.
2. As the number of users keep increasing in the system, the overall fault tolerance and
reliability of the system reduces.
What is a 2 tier architecture?
A 2-tier architecture refers to a client-server architecture where the client interacts directly with
the server. It consists of two main layers: the client or front-end and the server or back-end,
typically used in simple applications where scalability and flexibility are less critical.
What is 2 and 3 tier architecture?
A 2-tier architecture involves a client directly communicating with a server, suitable for simpler
applications. In contrast, a 3-tier architecture adds an intermediate application server layer
between the client and server, enhancing scalability, separation of concerns, and facilitating
distributed computing.
What is the 2 tier architecture in JDBC?
In JDBC (Java Database Connectivity), the 2-tier architecture involves direct communication
between the Java application (client) and the database server (server). JDBC allows Java
programs to interact with databases using SQL queries, managing connections, sending
queries, and processing results directly through JDBC drivers installed on the client side.
What is a web app?
A web application also known as a web app can be accessed through a web browser. Web
applications are usually stored on remote servers, and users can access them through web
browsers. When accessed via a mobile device, a web app looks and behaves like a mobile app
but the two aren’t the same. If you're looking to build your enterprise web application,
understanding the distinction between web and mobile apps is crucial.
Using browsers allows web applications to be compatible with most operating systems and
standard computers. Additionally, the apps don’t take up memory on a computer’s hard drive
and can be accessed from almost any computer or device. Many people can use the same
application simultaneously and collaborate.
Some examples of web applications include shopping carts, online forms, spreadsheets, word
processors, file conversion programs, video and photo editing software, file scanning tools, and
email programs such as Gmail and Yahoo.
User experience (UX) usually dictates web application design. With traditional web design,
server-side programmers decide what might enhance usability. But web applications have an
application program interface (API) that pulls data from the user side and funnels it into
automation.
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Is creating a web app easy?
Developing custom web applications is much easier now than a decade ago. Application
development software helps skilled employees to create web apps without coding. Many
new app development technologies, from online forms to word processors, are web apps. They
help companies to be more productive. Research shows that web forms are the most popular
way to capture leads. Every company looking to grow must start building web apps.
To build a web application
• A developer first tries to find a solution to a specific problem.
• Next, they create the web app by choosing the appropriate development framework.
During the development stage, the developer engages with the end users to ensure they
build the right solution.
• Lastly, they test the solution and then deploy the web app.
There are two major parts of web-based application development:
1. The client side.
2. The server side.
The client-side helps users see data from the server, while the server side helps developers
store and retrieve data from the database. Enterprise web application development is easier
and more affordable than app development for mobile devices.
How to create a web app - 12 simple steps
Following are the 12 steps to create and build a web application for your business in 2024.
1. Come up with an idea
2. Market research
3. Define the app’s functionality
4. Plan the workflow
5. Create a minimum viable product (MVP)
6. Wireframe and prototype the web application
7. Seek validation
8. Design your database
9. Build the frontend
10. Build the backend
11. Test and troubleshoot
12. Deploy the web app
1. Come up with an idea
You don’t need an app for every business idea. Do your research first, identify the problem you
want to solve and try to find solutions. Interview people who experience the problem and ask if
they have possible solutions. If you feel a web application will streamline work, proceed to the
next stage.
2. Market research
You must have an accurate understanding of the user, their problem, and the scope of the
problem. Research if there are other ways to solve the problem out there. Getting insight into
the user and the competition helps inform the technical direction of the web app.
3. Define the app’s functionality
Come up with a list of features that will address the problem. But keep your distance and add
only a few functionalities. Apps with more features take longer to build. Only focus on the
features that solve your target market's problems.
4. Plan the workflow
If your app has competitors, sign up for their free trials and use the solutions. Pay attention to
the workflow and note what’s good and bad. Sit down and sketch different workflows for your
app that is better than the competition.
5. Create a minimum viable product (MVP)
First, sketch out the structure of your web app’s user interface—it doesn’t have to be exact.
Outline how your app should work, and don’t overcomplicate the design. Next, create a basic
but complete version of the app that showcases its main features.
6. Wireframe and prototype the web application
Wireframing means designing your web application’s blueprint, while prototyping means adding
an interactive display. You can wireframe and prototype your app using a no-code/low-code
platform. Prototyping makes it easier to explain your web app when seeking validation.
7. Seek validation
Join relevant forums and social media groups and present your solution. Find out what you need
to change and what to keep. The information you get will help direct the development of your
product. If you get great feedback and product validation, start building your web app.
8. Design your database
A database allows you to store data securely to access it later. The data you store, and user
functions will determine the type of database required to run your web app.
9. Build the frontend
The frontend is what users see and interact with. It’s the visual element of the application and is
developed with coding language. The framework is set up on a no-code/low-code platform, and
almost no coding is needed to build a frontend. Not all web applications need frontend
frameworks.
10. Build the backend
The backend manages your data, servers, databases, and everything users can’t see in a web
application. Building a backend is a job for skilled developers, but a no-code/low-code tool can
take away many of the complexities.
11. Test and troubleshoot
Test the app before you publish it. Use it in run mode and see if it functions as expected. If
something is wrong, diagnose the problem using the no-code/low-code platform. Some
platforms have a debug mode and issue checker to make your job easy.
12. Deploy the web app
First, choose a host for your web app to make it available on the cloud. Users will be able to
access it from anywhere in the world. Next, deploy the web app. This step involves getting your
web application from your computer to your cloud hosting.
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What are the different stages in web app
Information gathering
Businesses mostly build web applications to solve problems. They come up with ideas for apps
and outline the applications’ goals, features, budgets, visions, and future plans. Developers go
through the outline to understand the app’s objectives, goals, focus industry, target audience,
and other critical elements.
Discussions and questionnaires help them to get more clarity on project goals. The developers
then prepare a proposal to document the deliverables.
Planning the web application development process
With the insights gathered in the first stage, the developer creates a blueprint that determines
the overall structure of the web application. The blueprint includes flowcharts and sketches.
Developers keep clients in the loop during this stage to ensure that the application is perfect.
The time spent in this stage depends on the complexity of the web application. A developer
creating a Minimum Viable Product might spend around two weeks on this.
Web application design
This stage is all about perfecting the interactive elements of the web application. The developer
works with graphics, templates, colour schemes, style guides, and much more to complete the
design of the web application. The final mockup is sent to the client for review and feedback.
Mockup changes and design iterations go on until the client agrees to everything.
Web application programming
At this stage, developers create the envisioned features. They develop frameworks, deploy APIs,
build app features, add security layers, and many other capabilities. For web development
companies, Developing complex web applications is more time-consuming, depending on the
technologies used. Some technology stacks have capabilities that can be easily tweaked and
integrated.
Testing and launch
Testing is the most important part of web app development. A million things can go wrong even
after the application has been developed correctly. Testing ensures that the web app works as
intended and meets organization, industry, and global standards.
Even if everything has been double-tested, it is a good idea to initially launch the web
application in the beta version. If resources are few and stakes are high, the application can be
released in phases to different audience groups.
Application maintenance
Every digital product needs routine checkups and enhancements, whether it’s a single-page
application or a complex web application. As time goes by, you may need to undertake product
pivots, integrate new features, and launch the next version.
How web apps can help enterprise businesses
With enterprise low-code application platforms, organizations can build cost-effective and
accurate apps and minimize the wastage of resources. Low-code development efforts maximize
a company’s available resources.
When a company spends less on professional development, it becomes more innovative and
productive. Statista reports that many customer-focused apps built with low-code increase
business revenue. Low-code tools allow developers and business users to make their digital
ecosystems more robust.
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