Tech & Web Design Glossary

This glossary includes definitions of some of the more common technical and design terms you may hear us discuss throughout the duration of your project.

Analytics: The process of collecting and analyzing data from a website or application in order to better understand how users interact with it.

API (Application Programming Interface): A set of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate with each other.

Backup: A copy of important files and data that can be used to restore them in the event of data loss or system failure.

Beta design: A preliminary design of a website or application that is still in the testing phase and may undergo changes based on user feedback.

Beta testing: The process of testing a website or application before it is released to the public in order to identify and fix any issues or bugs.

Browser: A software application used to access and view websites and other online content.

Cache: A temporary storage location that stores frequently accessed data or information to improve the speed and efficiency of a computer system or software application.

Content Management System (CMS): A software application used to create, manage, and publish digital content on the web.

Cron job: A scheduled task or automated script that runs at a predetermined time or interval.

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): A style sheet language used to describe the visual appearance of web pages.

Database: A collection of data that is organized and stored in a structured manner for easy access and retrieval.

DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack: A cyber attack in which a network or website is flooded with traffic in order to overwhelm and disrupt its normal functioning.

DNS (Domain Name System): A system that translates human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses.

Domain name: A unique name used to identify a website or web server on the internet.

E-commerce: The buying and selling of goods or services online.

Email client: A software application used to access and manage email.

Firewall: A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol): A protocol used for transferring files between computers over a network.

FTP client: A software application used to transfer files between computers using the FTP protocol.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): A markup language used to create and structure content on the web.

IP address: A unique numerical identifier assigned to every device connected to the internet.

JavaScript: A programming language used to create interactive and dynamic content on the web.

Mobile optimization: The process of optimizing a website or application for use on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Plug-in: A software component that adds specific functionality to an existing software application.

Responsive design: A design approach that ensures a website or application is optimized for use on devices with different screen sizes and resolutions.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO): The practice of optimizing a website or content to increase its visibility and ranking in search engine results.

Server: A computer system that provides data or services to other computers or devices on a network.

Spam: Unsolicited or unwanted email or messages, often sent in bulk.

SSH (Secure Shell): A protocol used for secure remote access to a computer or network.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer): A security protocol used to establish encrypted connections between web servers and web browsers.

Theme: A pre-designed template used to control the visual appearance of a website or application.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator): A web address that uniquely identifies a website or resource on the internet.

User Experience (UX): The overall experience a user has when interacting with a website or application, including factors such as ease of use, functionality, and aesthetics.

User Interface (UI): The visual and interactive components of a software application or website that allow users to interact with it and perform actions.

Web application: A software application accessed through a web browser or web interface.

Web hosting: A service that allows individuals and organizations to make their website accessible on the internet.

Website: A collection of web pages that are accessible on the internet and linked together.

Widget: A small software application or tool that performs a specific function or provides information on a website or within another software application.