Centralized Computing
Centralized computing is an architectural model where computing resources, data storage, and processing are concentrated in a central location, typically a mainframe or server, with client devices (terminals or thin clients) accessing these resources over a network. It contrasts with distributed computing by centralizing control and management, often simplifying administration and security. This model was dominant in early computing eras and remains relevant in scenarios requiring high control, such as financial systems or legacy enterprise applications.
Developers should learn about centralized computing to understand foundational IT architectures, especially when working with legacy systems, mainframes, or in industries like banking and government where centralized control is critical for security and compliance. It's useful for scenarios requiring strict data governance, centralized backups, and simplified maintenance, though it may be less scalable than distributed alternatives for modern web applications.