Q.What is meant by the 'front-end' and the 'back-end' of a database application? State one function of each.

Every database application has a visible part and a hidden part.

Think 'interface in front, data behind'.

A database application is built in two connected parts.

Front-end. The front-end (presentation layer / user interface) is the part the user sees and interacts with — the screens, forms, buttons and text boxes. Function: it takes input from the user and presents output back to the user. It does not store data permanently; when it must save or fetch data it passes the request to the back-end.

Back-end. The back-end (data layer) is the database and the DBMS that store and manage the data behind the scenes. Function: it keeps the data safe, accurate, consistent and available, carrying out the SQL requests the front-end sends and returning results.

Together they form the request cycle: the front-end collects input and forms an SQL instruction, the back-end carries it out on the stored tables, and the result is returned for the front-end to display.

Saying the front-end stores the data. It does not — storage is the back-end's job; the front-end only presents data and sends requests.