Resources / AI Insights / Glossary
Coding and Developer Terms
A beginner-friendly guide to the words developers use when writing, testing, and shipping code.
27 plain-English definitions for people getting started.
API
An API is a set of agreed ways for software to ask other software for help.
Read the definitionAPI Key
An API key is a secret code an app uses to access an online service.
Read the definitionBackend
The backend is the behind-the-scenes part that handles an app's data and work.
Read the definitionBranch
A branch is a separate line of work inside a Git project.
Read the definitionBuild
A build turns a project's source files into a version ready to run or test.
Read the definitionContinuous Integration
Continuous integration automatically checks code changes as they are shared.
Read the definitionContinuous Delivery
Continuous delivery keeps changes ready to release after they pass checks.
Read the definitionClone
Cloning makes a local copy of a shared Git project.
Read the definitionCommit
A commit saves a named snapshot of selected project changes in Git.
Read the definitionComponent
A component is a reusable piece of a website, such as a button or card.
Read the definitionConfiguration File
A configuration file stores settings that tell a program how to run.
Read the definitionCSS
CSS controls how webpage content looks and is arranged.
Read the definitionDependency
A dependency is outside software a project relies on to do some of its work.
Read the definitionDiff
A diff shows what changed between two versions of files.
Read the definitionFrontend
The frontend is the part of a website people see and interact with.
Read the definitionGit
Git keeps a record of changes made to files in a project.
Read the definitionHTML
HTML is the basic structure that tells a browser what parts a webpage contains.
Read the definitionJavaScript
JavaScript is a programming language that can make web pages interactive.
Read the definitionJSON
JSON is a tidy text format that software uses to exchange organized information.
Read the definitionNode.js
Node.js lets JavaScript run outside a web browser.
Read the definitionnpm
npm helps JavaScript projects install and manage shared tools and code.
Read the definitionPython
Python is a programming language known for code that is often easy to read.
Read the definitionReact (JavaScript Library)
React is a JavaScript library for building interactive web interfaces from reusable pieces.
Read the definitionSQL
SQL is a language used to ask questions of and make changes to many databases.
Read the definitionTypeScript
TypeScript adds checks that help catch some mistakes in JavaScript code.
Read the definitionUnit Test
A unit test checks one small piece of a program by itself.
Read the definitionVue
Vue is a tool for building web interfaces from reusable pieces.
Read the definition