Web Development Glossary
Understanding terminology accelerates learning and communication. This glossary covers essential concepts you'll encounter constantly.
Core Web Concepts:
API (Application Programming Interface)A way for different software systems to communicate. RESTful APIs are common for web applications.
BackendServer-side code that handles business logic, databases, and authentication. Users don't see this directly.
FrontendClient-side code users interact with. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript running in browsers.
Full-StackBoth frontend and backend development. Knowing entire application stack.
Responsive DesignWebsites that adapt layouts for different screen sizes. Mobile, tablet, desktop.
FrameworkPre-built code structure that enforces patterns. React, Vue, Django, Express.
LibraryCollection of pre-written code you can use. jQuery, Lodash, Axios.
HTML/CSS/JavaScript Terms:
DOM (Document Object Model)Tree structure representing HTML elements. JavaScript manipulates the DOM to change pages dynamically.
Semantic HTMLUsing HTML elements for their intended meaning. <nav> for navigation, <article> for content.
FlexboxCSS layout system for one-dimensional layouts (rows or columns).
GridCSS layout system for two-dimensional layouts (rows and columns simultaneously).
Event ListenerJavaScript code that waits for user actions (clicks, key presses, form submissions).
PromiseObject representing eventual completion or failure of asynchronous operation.
Async/AwaitSyntax for handling asynchronous code more readably than callbacks or promise chains.
Backend Terms:
DatabaseStructured storage for application data. SQL (PostgreSQL, MySQL) or NoSQL (MongoDB).
CRUDCreate, Read, Update, Delete—basic database operations.
AuthenticationVerifying user identity (login).
AuthorizationDetermining what authenticated users can access (permissions).
REST (Representational State Transfer)Architectural style for APIs using HTTP methods. GET, POST, PUT, DELETE.
MiddlewareCode that runs between request and response. Authentication, logging, error handling.
Deployment Terms:
ProductionLive environment where real users access your application.
CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment)Automating testing and deployment when code changes.
Environment VariableConfiguration value stored outside code. API keys, database URLs.
DNS (Domain Name System)Translates domain names to IP addresses.
SSL/TLSEncryption protocol for secure connections. Enables HTTPS.
Modern Development Terms:
SPA (Single Page Application)App that loads once and updates content dynamically without page reloads.
SSR (Server-Side Rendering)Generating HTML on server for each request. Better SEO and initial load.
PWA (Progressive Web App)Web app that works offline and can be installed like native app.
ComponentReusable piece of UI. React components, Vue components.
StateData that changes over time in application. User input, fetched data, UI state.
Git Terms:
CommitSaving changes with descriptive message.
BranchSeparate version of code for new features or experiments.
MergeCombining changes from different branches.
Pull RequestProposing changes to be merged into main codebase.
Common Acronyms:
JSON: JavaScript Object Notation (data format) • HTTP/HTTPS: HyperText Transfer Protocol (Secure) • SEO: Search Engine Optimization • UI/UX: User Interface / User Experience • DRY: Don't Repeat Yourself • KISS: Keep It Simple, Stupid
Don't memorize these. Learn them naturally by reading documentation (MDN), following tutorials, and reading other developers' code.