Web Development Glossary
Technical terms explained in plain English. 42 definitions covering development, design, marketing, and more.
All Terms
A/B Testing
A method of comparing two versions of a webpage or element to determine which performs better.
Agile Methodology
A project management approach emphasizing iterative development, collaboration, and flexibility over rigid planning.
API (Application Programming Interface)
A set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other.
Authentication
The process of verifying the identity of a user, typically through credentials like username and password.
CDN (Content Delivery Network)
A network of distributed servers that delivers web content to users from the server closest to their location.
CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment)
Automated practices for building, testing, and deploying code changes frequently and reliably.
CMS (Content Management System)
Software that allows users to create, edit, and manage website content without needing to write code.
Conversion Rate
The percentage of visitors who complete a desired action, such as making a purchase, signing up, or filling out a form.
CTA (Call to Action)
A prompt that encourages users to take a specific action, typically a button or link like "Buy Now" or "Sign Up."
Database
An organized collection of data stored electronically, allowing efficient storage, retrieval, and management of information.
Design System
A collection of reusable components, patterns, and guidelines that ensure consistency across a product or brand.
Domain Name
A human-readable address for a website (like example.com) that maps to its numerical IP address.
React
A JavaScript library for building user interfaces, using a component-based architecture that makes code reusable and maintainable.
Responsive Design
A web design approach that makes pages render well on all screen sizes, from mobile phones to desktop monitors.
REST API
A type of API that uses standard HTTP methods and is designed around resources, making it simple and scalable.
ROI (Return on Investment)
A measure of the profitability of an investment, calculated as the gain or loss relative to the cost.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
A software distribution model where applications are hosted in the cloud and accessed via subscription over the internet.
Scope Creep
The gradual expansion of project requirements beyond the original plan, often without corresponding increases in time or budget.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
The practice of optimizing websites to rank higher in search engine results, increasing organic (non-paid) traffic.
Server-Side Rendering (SSR)
A technique where web pages are generated on the server for each request, rather than in the browser.
SSL/TLS Certificate
A digital certificate that encrypts data between a website and its visitors, enabling HTTPS secure connections.
Web Accessibility
The practice of making websites usable by people of all abilities and disabilities, including visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive.
Web Analytics
The collection, measurement, and analysis of website data to understand user behavior and improve performance.
Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A security system that monitors and filters HTTP traffic to protect web applications from attacks.
Web Hosting
A service that stores website files on a server and makes them accessible on the internet.
Web Server
A computer system that hosts websites and serves web pages to visitors over the internet.
Webhook
An automated message sent from one application to another when a specific event occurs.
Wireframe
A low-fidelity visual guide showing the structure and layout of a page without colors, images, or detailed styling.
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