Software Engineering Technical Terms (A-Z)

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

Agile: A flexible software development methodology focused on iterative progress and customer
collaboration.

Algorithm: A step-by-step procedure to solve a problem or perform a computation.

Application Server: A server designed to host and run applications, handling business logic.

Authentication: Verifying the identity of a user or system.

Authorization: Granting permission to a user or system to access specific resources.

Backend: The server-side part of an application responsible for data processing and storage.

Big-O Notation: A mathematical notation to describe the performance or complexity of an algorithm.

Bug: An error or flaw in software that causes it to produce an incorrect or unexpected result.

Build: The process of converting source code into executable software.

Cache: A temporary storage area to speed up data access.

Cloud Computing: Delivering computing services over the internet (e.g., AWS, Azure).

CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment): Automated processes for integrating and

Compiler: A program that converts source code into machine code.

Containerization: Packaging software into containers for portability (e.g., Docker).

Database: A structured collection of data.

Debugging: Finding and fixing bugs in software.

Deployment: Delivering a software product to a live environment.

DevOps: Practices combining development and operations to improve delivery speed and reliability.

DSL (Domain-Specific Language): A language tailored to a specific application domain.

Encryption: Changing information into a secret code so that only authorized people can read it.

Endpoint: A specific URL where an API receives requests.

Exception: An error that occurs while a program is running, which can be caught and handled.

Frontend: The part of a software or website that users see and interact with.

Framework: A ready-made structure or template that helps developers build software faster.

Function: A block of code that performs a specific task and can be reused.

Git: A tool to track changes in code (version control).

GUI (Graphical User Interface): The visual part of an application (buttons, icons, menus).

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): The basic language used to create web pages.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): A protocol for communication between web browsers and
servers.

IDE (Integrated Development Environment): A software where developers write and test code (e.g.,
VS Code).

Inheritance: A concept in object-oriented programming where one class takes properties from
another class.

Iteration: Repeating a set of steps in a loop or during development.

Java: A popular programming language.

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation): A lightweight format for storing and sharing data.

Kernel: The main part of an operating system that controls the computer's hardware.

Kubernetes: A tool for managing containers in cloud computing.

Library: A collection of pre-written code that can be reused.

Load Balancing: Distributing network or server traffic evenly across multiple servers.

Middleware: Software that connects different applications or services.

Microservices: A way of building software as small, independent services.

Module: A small part of a program that does a specific job.

Node.js: A tool that lets developers run JavaScript on servers.

Normalization: Organizing data in a database to avoid duplicates.

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): A coding style where everything is represented as objects.

Patch: A small update to fix bugs or security issues.

Pipeline: A series of steps to build, test, and deploy software automatically.

Protocol: A set of rules for communication between devices (e.g., HTTP, FTP).

Query: A request for information from a database.

Queue: A line of tasks or messages waiting to be processed in order.

Refactoring: Improving the code structure without changing its functionality.

Repository (Repo): A place where code is stored and managed (e.g., on GitHub).

Runtime: The period when a program is running.

Scalability: The ability of software to handle more work as it grows.

Scrum: A popular Agile method for managing projects in small steps (sprints).

SDK (Software Development Kit): A set of tools for building applications.

Server: A computer that provides services or data to other computers (clients).

SQL (Structured Query Language): A language for working with databases.

Testing: Checking if software works correctly.

Token: A small piece of data used for security (e.g., authentication).

Thread: A single sequence of instructions in a program that can run independently.

UI (User Interface): The part of software the user interacts with (screens, buttons).

UML (Unified Modeling Language): A way to draw diagrams of software design.

Version Control: Tools like Git that track changes in code over time.

Virtual Machine: Software that acts like a real computer inside another computer.

Web Service: A program that communicates over the web using standard protocols.

Wireframe: A simple sketch of how a web page or app will look.

XML (eXtensible Markup Language): A way to store and share structured data.

XPath: A language to find elements in an XML document.

YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language): A human-readable format for configuration files.
Zero-Day: A security flaw discovered and exploited before the software creator fixes it.

Zip: A method of compressing files to make them smaller.