Coding and Computer Terms You Must Know
One of the things you have to learn when you want to start a career in technology is the terms. You may have heard of basic terms like HTML, CSS, WordPress, etc. But do you really understand what they really are?
You don't have to remember all the tech terms that exist. However, getting used to the ones that are used the most is very important. One of them is so that you know what to learn.
Knowing tech lingo will help you ask the right questions to mentors or other experienced people. For example, if you know the difference between UX and UI, then you will understand what companies mean when they look for UI designers.
Here are some of the most frequently used terms:
AGILE or AGILE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
A set of principles for coding software that prioritizes "continuous improvement". The trick is to launch the software as quickly as possible and then release updates regularly. So you don't have to wait until the software is completely perfect first.
BACK END
The part that makes a website or web service run. This includes applications, web servers, and databases.
BUG
Errors in code that prevent a website or program from working as it should. More precisely, bug is a term for something that keeps your program from performing as expected.
CLOUD COMPUTING
To store and access information or services via the internet.
CODE
A simple language that has very strict syntax and rules. Used by humans to make computers do what they want.
CODING LANGUAGE
A specific rule and syntax to tell the computer what to do. This includes programming, assembly, and markup languages such as Ruby, PHP, and HTML.
COLOUR THEORY
Characteristics of colours and the relationship between them.
COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
The process of writing and implementing various instructions for a computer.
CSS (CASCADING STYLE SHEETS)
Code that tells the browser how to format or style HTML. Controls things like font type and colour.
DATABASE
Collection of electronic information (data) stored on the web server.
FRONT END
The part of a website that can be seen by visitors (users). Composed of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
GRID SYSTEM
Columns and rows that can be used as guides to organize content in a webpage.
HTML (HYPER-TEXT MARKUP LANGUAGE)
Coding Language used to provide content on the webpage and create structure. Since HTML doesn't tell the computer to do anything, it is not called a programming language.
HTML ELEMENT
The HTML code that is composed of the opening tag, closing tag, and information in between. Example: <p> This is my paragraph element </p>
INTERNET
A network composed of interconnected computers around the world.
LEAN or LEAN START-UP
A process that is often used to dispense a product and then rapidly develop it continuously to better suit customer needs. This is done by actively soliciting customer input. Similar to agile development, but start-up is a term used for companies. Made popular by a book called The Lean Start-up.
MOOD BOARD
A collection of content that shows the visual form of the website such as colors, images, icons, fonts, etc.
MINIMUM VIABLE PRODUCT (MVP)
A product with minimal but sufficient features. Made to meet initial needs. Often used to test a concept or idea without using large resources. This is usually very popular among start-ups.
NATIVE APP
An application for mobile devices built using a special software development kit for each type. Example: all coded apps for iOS (Apple).
OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING (OOP)
A method commonly used to do software design where code is divided into objects that have specific attributes. Example: A blog has posts that have a title, date, and content. Some of the OOP languages include: Ruby, PHP, Python.
PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE
A set of code whose job it is to tell the computer what to do, not how to display something. Therefore, HTML and CSS are not programming languages, but markup languages.
RESPONSIVE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
A way to design and code websites so that they can adapt to devices that have different screen sizes such as phones, tablets, etc.
SDK (SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT KIT)
A set of tools for creating specific software.
SEMANTIC ELEMENT
HTML elements that give the browser more information about the content inside. Example: header, footer, aside (for the sidebar).
SEMANTIC WEB
A design theory for the web which states that all data must be named and stored properly so that it can be more easily accessed or reused later.
SITEMAP
In web development, an outline, or map of a page in a webpage. Usually drawn using lines and boxes to visualise the hierarchy of the webpage.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
A process of programming, documentation, testing, and eliminating bugs in the creation and maintenance of software applications or frameworks.
TEXT EDITOR
Software used to write plain text (without formatting). Can be used for coding and programming. Example: SublimeText, TextEdit, TextWrangler, Notepad ++
UI (USER INTERFACE)
The way how a website is displayed and how users interact on it.
USER FLOW
A map that describes how a user can get to the website and what he does while on the website.
USER PERSONA
Profiles of imaginary people who will use a particular website. Used to define who the target consumer of the website is and what their needs are.
USER RESEARCH
Investigate how users behave and what their needs are. This is done in order to make the website design better.
UX (USER EXPERIENCE)
What happens to users when they visit a website. This can range from usability (can they complete a given task) to things that do not immediately look like (what they feel when they are on the website).
VERSION CONTROL
A software used to track changes to code files. Used by software teams so that they can work together on a code file without rewriting each other's code. Examples: Git, Subversion.
VIRTUAL REALITY (VR)
A three-dimensional simulation performed by a computer so that users can interact in a more realistic way. Often use equipment such as a helmet with a screen.
WEB APP or WEB APPLICATION
A website with complex functionality and interactivity. Example: Twitter and Facebook.
WEB APPLICATION FRAMEWORK
A pre-written code that developers use as a basis for building their web applications. Examples: Ruby on Rails, Bootstrap, AngularJS.
WEB or WEB BROWSER
The web is anything that you access using a web browser. A web browser is a software application that allows you to access information stored on another computer using the internet.
WEB DESIGNER
A designer who specialises in designing websites and web applications.
WEB DEVELOPER
A software developer who specialises in coding websites and web applications.
WEB SERVER
A computer that can be accessed via the internet and can store data in the form of a website. Your computer can only give orders ("give me google.com"), while the web server can give AND receive orders ("here is google.com").
WIREFRAME
A simple sketch of the important information contained in the webpage. Usually created in black and white using box, line, and placeholder text.
Now, are you familiar with the basic terms that you will hear in computer technology?If so, you may also have realized how many opportunities that can be opened for you, along with job security in it. Keep coding and be a maker!
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