If you’re a newbie in the world of programming, you’ll likely come across a number of terms and words that make no sense to you. In order to become a proficient programmer, you need to learn how to speak the correct language which includes words like back-end, API, GitHub that should become a regular part of your everyday vocabulary.
As technology advances at a rapid pace, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the new developments. However, once you have a stronghold on the industry jargon, you can start building up the foundations of your programming skills and soon launch a career as a programmer. In order to help you along, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most important industry buzzwords for programmers in alphabetical order.
Agile
Agile, short for Agile Web Development, is currently one of the biggest buzzwords in the technology industry. It’s used often amongst startups and it refers to a particular form of working ethos. As such, in an Agile-driven team, the developers work in weekly or biweekly bursts comprising the following phases — Design, Development, Testing, Deployment, and Review. Agile is currently hailed as one of the most efficient working ethos out there.
Algorithm
An algorithm can be defined as a series of steps and processes you have to take to accomplish a task. These algorithms are a component of problem-solving in computer programming. As such, developers have to create an algorithm to enable a computer to carry out a function, and they have to follow the creating of the algorithm with detailed documentation of the steps taken to arrive at a solution.
API
API is short for Application Programming Interface. It essentially renders parts of the website’s codes accessible to the developers so different programs can communicate with each other. The API code is popularly used by web developers to connect certain tools and widgets to a website. For example, Facebook Messenger is an external application that works with Facebook as a result of the API coding. Similarly, different websites might want to incorporate plugins for twitter messages, Instagram picture displays, etc, and these are all enabled with API.
Application
Apps, short for Applications, are used by people around the world on a daily basis. Almost all of the tools used in your smartphone are apps. It’s basically a software that can be used by the consumer to do a number of tasks like calculations, writing text in a document, or editing pictures with the help of editing apps. A developer must understand how to write the code for various types of apps like desktop apps, mobile apps, and web apps.
Bootstrap
Bootstrap is a free, open-source front-end framework that’s used by developers to design websites and their applications. It was originally conceived by Mark Otto and Jacob Thornton for the smooth internal functioning of Twitter. This framework incorporates HTML and CSS-based design templates that can enable a number of functions like the use of buttons, typography, modals, etc.
Backend
As the name suggests, the back-end is everything that happens behind the curtains. When you’re developing a website, there are aspects that are visible to the users and then there’s the server-side of the process that’s hidden from them. The backend is that hidden part which makes it possible for the users to interact with the frontend. Backend development comprises four components — server, database, operating system, and software.
Big Data
This is a term that’s used to refer to the vast volumes of structured and unstructured data that’s generated by a business as a result of its day-to-day functions. This data can then be analyzed and computed to determine patterns and trends that allow companies to incorporate strategies to enhance their functionality and maximize profits.
Blockchain
Blockchain is an extremely novel and recent innovation, a brainchild of the mysterious individual or team that goes by the name of Satoshi Nakamoto. A blockchain is essentially a new form of internet, an incorruptible digital ledger of transactions — both economic and otherwise — that can be used to record all forms of virtual transactions. It’s basically a spreadsheet that’s universally distributed and updated so there’s complete transparency of information.
Bug
Have you ever tried to access a feature in an app or a website, but were unable to? Or perhaps the app doesn’t function in the way it’s supposed to? These erratic and unpredictable errors occur as a result of Bugs. A Bug is a term used to describe an error that prevents a website or app from running optimally. When you create a website or software, you have to deal with bug reports to analyze and solve problems.
Code
Code is the basic language of programming. It’s used to develop software, apps, websites, and just about all digital things. If you want to be a programmer, you’ll have to learn a few necessary and relevant coding languages. If you want to read a particular website’s code, you have to right-click on the browser window and check the “page source”. This will help you gauge and review the code used on that website.
The Cloud
The Cloud is a term used to describe a global network of servers with specific functions. Basically, it’s a series of remote servers around the world that are connected to a singular web and operate as an ecosystem. They can be used to store information or manage data and applications. Almost all IT resources can exist on the cloud, and it’s a secure form of storing data. For example, Apple uses iCloud to store data on the internet.
Cryptocurrency
A cryptocurrency is essentially a form of digital currency that’s designed to work as an alternative and universal medium of exchange that uses strong cryptography for financial transactions and is completely liberated from central banking or government authorities. Encryption techniques are used to control the generation of these currencies and the transfer of funds and all other transactions are handled via a universal ledger. Examples of cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, etc.
Data Structures
Just like books can be organized and stored in a library, Big Data can be organized and securely stored in data structures in order to increase efficiency and ease of access, thus making it an essential part of programming. Data Structures can be used to efficiently locate, access, arrange, add, or remove data. Without them, simple tasks would take extremely long to carry out. A few of the different types of data structures include linked lists, stacks, sets, and queues.
Debugging
Remember the bugs we mentioned earlier? When you come across bugs that are interfering with the smooth and optimal functioning of a website or application, you need to fix the issue and get rid of them. Debugging is the process of identifying bugs and getting rid of them. The process of debugging includes various phases. You have to first locate the bug and trace its source, and then either fix the issue or come up with an alternative solution to remove it. After the debugging is done, you need to test the program again and carry out further debugging if necessary.
Disruptive
Disruptive Technology is one that suddenly enters the market and creates a revolution, so much so that all other companies and industries start using that technology or innovation, thus disrupting the existing markets and displacing the current market leaders. As such, the current market leaders have to either incorporate that disruptive innovation or become obsolete. Examples of disruptive innovations are Uber in the field of transportation and Airbnb in hospitality.
Full-Stack Developer
Full-Stack development of websites and applications includes the simultaneous development of all three layers — frontend, backend, and database layer. Full-Stack developers are generally extremely experienced in the field of programming and they have a deep understanding of the full range and every layer of programming, making them extremely valuable.
Gamification
Gamification is the use of traditional game-design elements and principles in areas that aren’t related to gaming. This process is usually used to increase customer engagement, enhance organizational productivity, facilitate easy learning, etc. It has been shown that people interact better with any form of material when learning it or accessing it is turned into a “game”. A website incorporating a “Level Up” system to encourage users to take certain actions is an example of Gamification.
Git
Git is a popular tool in the programming world. It’s a version control system wherein users and developers can store their code and manage them. All developers constantly make changes to their code over and over until they are satisfied. The process requires a lot of modification so you need to store them somewhere the changes will be easy to trace and reverse if necessary. Git allows developers to do that while also facilitating communication with other individuals so you can work as a team.
GitHub
When you take Git to the cloud, you get GitHub. Launched in 2008, GitHub now has over 28 million users around the world, thus establishing it as the world’s largest host for codes. GitHub has all the same basic features as Git, like the ability to work with teams, tracing changes and reversing them, etc. However, what makes it even better is that it can also trace bugs and has a task management interface.
Growth Hacker
Growth Hackers are experts at carrying out fast-paced experimentation across the marketing funnel, sales segments, product development, and other aspects of business in order to identify how best to help a business grow. Generally, growth hacking is carried out by a team of growth hackers comprising marketers, engineers, developers, and product managers. This is a process often employed by startups that need to determine a strategy for quick expansion.
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the online network of devices like laptops, gadgets, electronic sensors, smartphones, etc, that are connected over a server. The interconnectedness of these devices helps in the easy sharing of data and information, leading to enhanced organizational efficiencies and cost-effectiveness. However, the interconnectedness of these devices over an unsecured network can also expose all of them to cyberattacks, so IoT use must also be followed by an IoT security compliance framework.
Java
It’s likely that you’ve heard of Java even if you don’t know much about programming. It’s one of the most popular programming languages in the world. The most important reason for its popularity is that it’s entirely independent of the platform. As such, applications that are programmed using Java can function on any device and on any operating system. It has been around in various iterations since 1995 and it’s not likely to become obsolete any time soon.
JavaScript
JavaScript is also a programming language functioning as a client-side language that gets inscribed into the HTML of a page and is then sent to the browser. As such, it can be used by developers and programmers to render a webpage more interactive and attractive by including animations and automotive features.
jQuery
jQuery is a kind of library for JavaScript. As such, several lines of JavaScript can be easily and conveniently condensed into a single line. As such, every time the programmer has to code a certain function using JavaScript, they can simply take that compact version from the jQuery library and apply it. Using jQuery makes the process of programming a lot faster and more efficient.
Minification
The larger the code and markup of a program, the larger is the file size. As such, if a webpage has large volumes of code, it will be larger in size and thus open slower. Minification is a process used to minimize the code and markup to minimize the file size and enhance the page-load time, which is essential for user experience.
MySQL
The most popular and efficient open-source database management system in the world. Basically, a database is a collection of vast volumes of data, and it’s crucial for all websites and applications. A database management system, like MySQL, helps manage that data. Open-source here means that it can be accessed and viewed publicly by anyone.
Sitemap
A sitemap is basically a map of the website’s various pages. You can think of it as an index documenting all the pages and sub-pages within a website. Sitemaps come in three types based on who’s using them. Web developers use sitemaps to plan the structure of the website, users use it to navigate a website, and search engines use a form of sitemaps for crawling.
Startup
A startup is a recently launched company or enterprise. The purpose of a tech startup is to bring new technology products and solutions to the market to solve or address a particular issue.
Quantified Self
Quantified Self, also known as lifelogging, is a movement initiated by Gary Wolf and Kevin Kelly in 2007. It incorporates the use of technology and data computation to generate statistics regarding one’s lifestyles and habits in order to strategize how to enhance the quality of life.
Wearable
In recent years, the technology industry has been creating various devices that can be worn on your body such as health trackers, smartwatches, Google glasses, etc. As such, a “Wearable” is basically a nickname for any technological device that can be worn on your body.
