What characterizes a client-side script in web development?

A client-side script is characterized by its execution within the user's browser. This means that the script runs on the client-side, which is the browser of the device the user is utilizing to access the web application or website. Client-side scripting is commonly used to create dynamic and interactive web pages, allowing developers to enhance user experience by providing real-time feedback, validating forms, and updating content without reloading the entire page.

In contrast, scripts that run on the server process requests and interactions from the client but do not directly operate within the user's browser. Client-side scripts, such as those written in JavaScript, interact with the Document Object Model (DOM) to manipulate the HTML and CSS, making the web pages more responsive to user actions.

Understanding the distinction of client-side scripts is essential for web development, as they allow for a more engaging and efficient user experience while relieving server load by minimizing unnecessary communication with the server.