The IT field is rich in specific vocabulary, which, every year, permeates into our everyday life. We prepared a small dictionary of terms widely used in IT. It might be helpful, and you will feel more confident if you suddenly encounter a less-known word. So, let’s go!
Accessibility: the feature of the websites and other technologies that defines how well all people can understand those. This also includes accessibility for people with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive impairments.
Backlog: an ordered list of tasks that must be completed within a project. The most critical tasks have a higher priority. Backlog items are user stories, changes to existing features, and bug fixes.
Bandwidth: a measure of the amount of data that can be transmitted over a network at any given time.
Binary file: a file containing a sequence of arbitrary bytes (in the broad meaning). In the narrow sense of the word, binary files are opposed to text files. However, many binary file formats have parts that can be interpreted as text.
Bookmark: a feature available in specific programs, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Acrobat Reader. This is a shortcut you can use to go to a specific web page or a specific location in a document.
Cache: areas of computer memory where frequently accessed data can be stored for quick access; or an additional file on your hard drive where such data can be stored.
Captcha: a test in the form of a text image that the user must enter to determine whether he is a human or a bot.
Client: a program or computer that connects to the server and requests information from it, such as Internet Explorer or Firefox. A client application may also be called client software or client-server software.
Daemon: a specific program that performs a particular task. For example, if an email message is returned to you as undeliverable, you may receive a message from the mail application daemon.
Emulation: the ability of a program or device to imitate another program or device.
Engine: the central part of the software product that performs its essential functions.
Freeware: copyrighted software available for free download; unlimited personal use is permitted, but you may not do anything without the author’s express permission.
Greyware: malware or code considered the “grey area” between standard software and a virus.
Hypertext: a system by which cross-references are created between related sections of text and graphics. When a hyperlink is activated, the hypertext system retrieves the relevant information. Keywords are usually underlined or highlighted.
Hypervisor or a virtual machine manager (VMM): one of many hardware virtualization methods. It allows multiple guest operating systems to run simultaneously on a host computer.
Image map: a graphical overlay containing more than one clickable area and links to another web page or anchor. Image maps are an alternative to text links directing users to additional information.
Java: a general-purpose programming language commonly used with animated web pages.
JavaScript: a public scripting language that shares many of the features of Java used to add dynamic content (various types of interactivity) to web pages.
Justified: a text processing format in which text is formatted flush with the left and right margins. Other options include Left Alignment (text is aligned along the left margin) and Right Alignment (text is aligned along the right margin).
Mainframe: a vast computer capable of supporting the work of hundreds of users simultaneously running various programs.
Minimum viable product (MVP): the simplest functional form of a product — a working draft that developers can improve later.
Peer-to-peer: a type of connection between two computers. Both of them perform calculations, store data, and make requests of each other. This type is opposed to a client-server connection, where one computer makes a request, and the other computer responds with information.
Phishing: a fraudulent activity carried out by fraudsters to collect information from users electronically. Phishers send e-mails that appear to come from official websites or banking addresses, asking you to click on a link and then enter or confirm your personal information.
Plug-in or add-in: a small software component that extends functionality on an existing computer program. They may add new functionality, modify the user interface, or allow the software to support additional file formats. Files with the plug-in do not need to be moved to your computer before being shown or played.
Release: a version of the software at the stage of public use.
Usability: the concept of developing software interfaces focused on maximum psychological and visual convenience for the user. It also refers to improving ease of use during the design process.
Wild card: a specific character used to identify a group of files or directories with similar characteristics, such as an asterisk (*), which can be used in DOS to identify groups of files.
At Glorium, we believe that it is never too late to learn, so we tend to grow constantly, discovering new technologies and developing new industries.
Are you just starting your career in IT? We have some excellent advice for you. Find out what you need to get off to a good start in development in our article. And if you think we may be a good fit for each other, view our vacancies via the link.
