What is a key feature of three-tier architecture?

A key feature of three-tier architecture is its ability to separate different components of an application into distinct layers. Specifically, this architecture divides the workflow into three main tiers: the presentation layer (user interface), the application layer (business logic), and the data layer (database management). This separation enhances scalability, maintainability, and flexibility. It allows developers to update or modify one layer without impacting the others, which is essential for efficient system development and deployment.

In contrast to this correct answer, options that suggest all layers existing on a single machine, eliminating the need for servers, or combining all functionalities into one system fundamentally misunderstand the principle of three-tier architecture. Instead of merging components, the essence of three-tier architecture lies in distributing them across multiple locations or servers, which provides significant advantages in handling large-scale applications.