In a situation where a PC-based database and an application are both hosted on the same computer, what is the application architecture called?

The application architecture in which a PC-based database and an application are both hosted on the same computer is referred to as "one-tier" architecture. This architecture means that both the application and the database reside on a single layer, effectively running on the same machine.

In a one-tier architecture, users interact directly with the database through the application, without the need for any intermediary layers or distributed components. This setup is often seen in smaller applications where ease of access and simplicity are prioritized. Since there are no additional tiers involved, it minimizes complexity, making it a suitable option for localized user environments or for applications that do not require scalability.

In contrast, multi-tier architectures involve separating different components of an application into distinct layers, which can reside on different servers or locations, providing scalability and flexibility. Cloud-based architectures involve hosting services on remote servers accessed via the internet, and distributed architectures typically involve multiple computers (or nodes) working together to process data or run applications, allowing for enhanced performance and resource allocation.