It is very common to feel that wading into technology and coding can almost be like learning a whole new language. So many new words and acronyms make it extremely easy for even the most eager of novices to get lost. But don’t sweat it! I have prepared a beginner-friendly glossary to help break down some of the most common technical terms. Knowing these will make your journey a lot less intimidating and will help you feel confident when you start navigating the tech world.
1. Algorithm
An algorithm here is simply a procedure or a set of instructions that solve a problem or complete some task. In other words, an algorithm is something like a recipe; you make it step by step to reach the conclusion. An algorithm is significant in programming as it helps computers understand what has to be done and how it has to be done without wasting any moment.
2. Bug
A “bug” is an error or mistake in a program that causes it to function improperly. Bugs range from simple typos to complex logic errors and are extremely common. Debugging is the process by which these problems are located and fixed.
3. Code
Code is the language through which we let the computers know what to do. It’s a collection of instructions in any programming language, such as Python or JavaScript, that creates software, websites, and apps. Learning to code means learning all about writing instructions that can be understood by computers.
4. Compiler
A compiler translates your code from a high-level language into machine code-the set of instructions the computer understands directly. If you are working in a language that requires compilation, such as C++, you will “compile” your code prior to execution.
5. Framework
A framework is a prewritten set of code that makes programming easier by providing common features the programmer will need. It’s basically a skeleton on which to build, and it allows for faster creation of applications. The most used ones are Django for Python and React for JavaScript.
6. Git and GitHub
Version control systems, such as Git, record all changes to your code over time so that if something goes wrong, you can always go back. GitHub hosts Git repositories, which are collections of code, making it easy for programmers to work together and share code online. Git and GitHub learning is super helpful not just for solo projects, but also when working in groups.
7. IDE (Integrated Development Environment)
An IDE is a program that hosts tools for coding, debugging, and testing-smack in one place. Think of this as your command center for coding. Popular ones are Visual Studio Code, PyCharm, and Eclipse.
8. JavaScript
JavaScript is a high-level, popular, interpreted programming language normally used to make things more dynamic on a webpage. If you have ever clicked a button or viewed an animation on a webpage, then JavaScript has probably run in the background and performed the magic. Learning JavaScript is an extremely fine starting point for web development.
9. Open Source
Open source: the source code of any software product is publicly available to everyone to look at and change, and to distribute the resulting work to anyone and for any purpose. Free collaboration on open-source projects allows people to collaborate on making improved versions of software. Examples of open-source projects are Linux, Apache Web Server.
10. Programming Language
A programming language: It is a formal language with syntax and rules that allows us to instruct and communicate with computers. The common languages include Python, JavaScript, Java, and C++. Each of them has their strengths and your choice depends on what you want to build.
11. Repository (Repo)
A repository, sometimes called a “repo,” is a holder for code, usually accompanied by documentation and other materials. Through sites such as GitHub, repos grant developers the ability to save versions of their code and work on it in tandem.
12. Syntax
Syntax represents the rules governing how code should be written in a programming language. Like grammar in human languages, syntax makes codes readable and executable. A missing bracket or use of commas inappropriately could be the cause of syntax errors that impede code execution.
13. Terminal
A terminal or command line is a way you can interact with the operating system on your computer by typing out commands. For the most part, you will be able to execute the code-related tasks in this course – running files and installing software, for example – directly in the terminal.
14. Variable
A variable is something that contains data. In programming, you can name variables and store information, such as numbers and text, in them. Variables are absolutely key in writing dynamic and interactive programs.
15. Frontend and Backend
– Frontend: This refers to the part of the website or app that you see and interact with. Common frontend languages are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Backend: Actually, this is the back-the-scenes activity, comprising everything on the server, database, and application logic. Some of the backend languages include Python, Java, PHP.
It is an application program interface that allows different software programs to interact or communicate with each other. It’s much like a restaurant menu, which shows what’s available and how to order. An API lets developers access features or data from other services for use in their application or website.
17. Machine Learning (ML)
It is the subset of Artificial Intelligence where computers are granted the capability to learn from data independently, not being explicitly programmed for such a task. Applications to areas that range from recommendation systems to image recognition and voice assistants, among others.
18. Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is basically a technology that enables users to store and access their data and programs on the internet instead of saving them to the hard drive of your computer. Cloud storage services, such as Google Drive and Dropbox, let users store and share files online. Other cloud computing platforms, such as AWS and Microsoft Azure, provide businesses and individuals with computing resources such as servers and storage.
Encryption is the process by which information is transformed into unreadable code. It’s used all over the internet as a way to prevent people from reading sensitive information, like passwords and financial data.
20. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer.
The security protocol encrypts the connection between a web server and a browser, therefore keeping users’ data secure. All websites that have “https” instead of “http” use SSL to protect sensitive data like credit card numbers.
Final Thoughts
Some basic tech terms are not only a great starting point but also a way to make the world of programming and technology a bit less intimidating. Knowing these concepts is huge groundwork you are building in the world of tech. Remember, everyone was a beginner once, and soon enough, with a bit of practice, you will be using these terms like a pro.
Happy learning, and welcome to the exciting world of tech!
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