Tech Dictionary

In order to understand key concepts in the tech space and perform tasks effectively, it’s important to know the correct definitions for technical terms, tech words, and computer terms.

In the following sections outlined below, you will find technology definitions listed under their respective tech field to facilitate stronger communication and understanding in your tech career. You can click below to jump ahead to your section of interest.

Common Technology Terms

• A/B testing: A testing method where two versions of “x” are tested by exclusive groups to see which version performs better against defined metrics. For example, sending out an email with two different subject lines to two randomized audiences to determine which receives a higher open rate.
• Algorithm: A set of instructions designed to perform a specific task.
• API (Application Programming Interface): A set of functions and procedures that allows for the creation of applications that access the data and features of other applications, services, or operating systems.
• Browser-based technology: Any program or software that is accessed over a network connection using HTTP, rather than existing within a device’s memory. Web-based applications often run inside a web browser.
• Hard skills: Abilities that relate to technical knowledge and skill sets.
• Open-source: Software/source code made freely available, allowing redistribution or modification by public users.
• Soft skills: Abilities that relate to how an individual works and interacts with other people including communication, teamwork, resilience, creativity, problem solving, and other interpersonal skills.

Coding Languages

• Beautiful Soup: A Python library that aids in extracting data from HTML, XML, and other markup languages.
• Blockchain: A decentralized, distributed, and public digital ledger used to record transactions across many computers making it extremely difficult to hack. 
• Bootstrap: A free, open-source CSS framework directed at responsive, mobile-first front-end web development.
• CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): The language used to describe the presentation of web pages, including colors, layout, and fonts; adapting the presentation to different types of devices, such as large screens, small screens, or printers. CSS is a cornerstone technology of the World Wide Web, alongside HTML and JavaScript.
• GitHub: A popular web-based version control repository that offers all the features of the Git distributed version control system. Users can collaborate on or adopt open-source code projects, fork code, share ideas, and more.
• HTML (HyperText Markup Language): The standard language used to structure web pages and their content, which are then displayed via web browser.
• JavaScript: An object-oriented computer programming language commonly used to create interactive effects within web browsers. 
• jQuery: An open-source JavaScript library that allows web developers to add extra functionality to their websites (e.g., animation creation, event handling).
• Kali Linux: An open-source, Debian-based Linux distribution aimed at advanced penetration testing and security auditing.
• Keras: An open-source neural network library written in Python that runs on top of Theano or Tensorflow. It is designed to be modular, fast, and easy to use.
• NumPy: A Python library to support n-dimensional arrays, the primary data structure for representing data.
• Pandas: An easy to use open-source data analysis and manipulation tool that is built on top of the Python programming language.
• PostgreSQL: An open-source, object-relational database management system (ORDBMS) that is not owned or controlled by one company or individual.
• Python: An open-source programming language designed to be easy to read and simple to implement, often used for creating web applications and dynamic web content.
• React.js: A JavaScript library used in web development to build interactive elements on websites.
• SciPy: A collection of open-source software for scientific computing in Python.
• Scikit-learn: A free Python machine learning library.
• Solidity: A programming language used to implement smart contracts on blockchain platforms.
• SQL (Structured Query Language): A query language used to access and modify information in a database, commonly pronounced “sequel”.
• TensorFlow: A Python-friendly open-source library for numerical computation that makes machine learning faster and easier.

Coding Tech Terms

Coding is a very technical discipline, and understanding coding terms is the first step toward success in the field. Below are common coding definitions to help you get started.

• Accessible design: A design process in which the needs of people with disabilities are specifically considered.
• API (application programming interface): A software intermediary that allows two applications to “talk to” or communicate with each other.
• Back end: A website’s server-side, meaning behind-the-scenes activities that the user doesn’t see (e.g., databases, scripting, website architecture).
• Back end web developer: A developer who works with server-side elements of an application, software, or website that the user doesn’t see.
• Big O notation: The language used to talk about how long an algorithm takes to run.
• Framework: A platform for developing software applications which may also include code libraries, a compiler, and other programs used in the software development processes. Examples include ActiveX and .NET.
• Front end: The client-side or client-facing elements of an application, software, or website with which the user interacts (e.g. links, icons, words, images).
• Front end web developer: A developer who works with the client-facing or user-facing elements of an application, software, or website.
• Full stack developer: A developer who has the ability to work on both the front and back end portions of an application, software, or website (e.g., client-side and server-side).
• JSON (JavaScript Object Notation): A text-based data interchange format designed for transmitting structured data and most commonly used for transferring data between web applications and web servers. Pronounced like the name “Jason”.
• MERN Stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, Node.js): One of several variations of the MEAN stack (MongoDB, Express, AngularJS, Node.js) where the traditional Angular.js front end framework is replaced with React.js. This Javascript stack is used for easier and faster deployment of full stack web applications.
• Mobile-responsive design: A design technique that enables a website to automatically change to fit the screen size of the mobile device a user is reading it on.
• MongoDB: A document database built on a scale-out architecture that has become popular with developers who are building scalable applications using agile methodologies.
• Node.js: A runtime environment that allows JavaScript code to be executed beyond a web browser, for instance, within a real-time communication program.
• Responsive design: A design approach that allows a website to adapt to the screen of the device users are viewing it on. This gives developers the capability to write code once and publish for all devices.
• SPA (single-page application): A web app implementation that loads only a single web document, and then updates the body content of that single document via JavaScript APIs when different content is to be shown.
• Stack: A data structure used to store a collection of objects while coding.
• Terminal: A point at which one can input or output data, oftentimes referring to the intermediate console (i.e., PC, laptop) which relays commands entered by the programmer to the kernel (core of the operating system).
• Traditional application: Old, basic applications that run on a mainframe environment or in a client/server environment rather than on the web.
• Web designer: The individual responsible for the layout, aesthetics, and user experience of the website. 

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Cybersecurity Tech Terms

Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field, requiring ongoing familiarity with cybersecurity terms to keep current. Below are some cyber security definitions to help keep you up to date. 

• Active reconnaissance: A computer attack where hackers communicate with a target system to collect information.
• AD (Active Directory): Microsoft-developed technology used to manage computers and other devices on a network.
• Bash scripting: Bash stands for “Bourne Again Shell” and is a type of interpreter that processes shell commands. A shell interpreter accepts commands in plain text format and transmits the request to the operating system to perform a task or activity.
• CIA (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) Triad: A security model developed to help people think about various elements of IT security.
• Command injection vulnerabilities: Web security vulnerabilities (also known as shell injection) that allow hackers to execute operating system (OS) commands on a server running an application. Successful attempts are able to fully compromise the application and all its data.
• CompTIA Security+: An international, vendor-neutral professional certification provided by CompTIA for IT professionals who want to become certified in IT security.
• Cron jobs: Processes or tasks that are scheduled to run periodically on a Unix system. 
• Cryptography: The process of  transforming data in order to hide content, prevent unauthorized use, or prevent undetected modification.
• Digital forensics: The application of science to data identification, collection, examination, and analysis while preserving the integrity of the information and maintaining a strict chain of custody for the data.
• Electronic discovery (e-discovery): The process of discovery that is carried out in electronic formats and encompasses electronically stored information (ESI).
• Ethical hacker: A person who hacks into a computer network in order to test or evaluate its security, rather than with malicious or criminal intent. 
• Hardening: The process of eliminating as many system security risks as possible.
• IAM (identity and access management): The discipline that enables the right individuals to access the right resources at the right times for the right reasons.
• Logging: The process of collecting and storing data over a period of time in order to analyze specific trends or record the data-based events/actions of a system, network, or IT environment.
• Metasploit: An open-source penetration testing framework that simplifies hacking processes.
• Packet: A small amount of data sent over a network.
• Passive reconnaissance: An attempt to gather information about targeted computers and networks without actually communicating with them.
• Security posture: An organization’s overall state of cybersecurity readiness.
• SQL injection: A cyber attack consisting of insertion or “injection” of a SQL query via input data from the client to the application.
• TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): Standard Internet communications protocols that allow digital computers to communicate over long distances.
• The Sleuth Kit: A collection of command line tools and a C library that allows cybersecurity professionals to analyze disk images and recover files from them. It is used behind the scenes in Autopsy and many other open-source and commercial forensics tools.
• Traffic analysis: The process of intercepting, recording, and analyzing network traffic communication patterns in order to detect and respond to security threats.
• Virtual network: Enables communication between multiple computers, virtual machines (VMs), virtual servers, or other devices across different office and data center locations using software management to connect computers and servers over the Internet.
• Virtualization: Creates a simulated, or virtual, computing environment as opposed to a physical environment. Virtualization often includes computer-generated versions of hardware, operating systems, storage devices, and more.
• Web shell: A script that can be uploaded to a web server to enable remote administration of a machine.
• Wireshark: An open-source tool for profiling network traffic and analyzing packets.

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Data Analytics Tech Terms

Data analytics and data science terms can be both complex and technical. However, a strong understanding of these data terms can help you grasp essential concepts in this field. Below are commonly used data definitions to help you get started.

• AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML): A set of web development techniques using many web technologies on the client-side to create asynchronous web applications.
• AWS (Amazon Web Services): A subsidiary of Amazon providing on-demand cloud computing platforms and APIs to individuals, companies, and governments on a metered, pay-as-you-go basis.
• Big data: High-volume, high-velocity, and/or high-variety information assets that demand cost-effective, innovative forms of information processing enabling enhanced insight, decision making, and process automation.
• Data mining: The process of uncovering patterns and finding anomalies and relationships in large data sets that can be used to make predictions about future trends.
• Data visualization: The use of visual effects for the communication and demonstration of information. A data visualization can come in many forms, including charts, graphs, or other illustrative styles.
• DBA (database administrator): A DBA is responsible for the design of the database, as well as designing/maintaining the database hierarchy, referential data integrity, and necessary data constraints. The DBA must also manage data storage, data cleansing, and the data integration/extraction processes.  
• Deep learning: A subset of machine learning where artificial neural networks (e.g., algorithms inspired by the human brain) learn from large amounts of data.
• ETL process (Extract, Transform, Load): A process that extracts, transforms, and loads data from multiple sources to a data warehouse or other unified data repository.
• GitHub: A popular web-based version control repository that offers all the features of the Git distributed version control system. Users can collaborate on or adopt open-source code projects, fork code, share ideas, and more.
• Hadoop: An open-source software framework for storing data and running applications on clusters of commodity hardware.
• JSON: A text-based data interchange format designed for transmitting structured data and most commonly used for transferring data between web applications and web servers. Pronounced like the name “Jason”.
• Jupyter Notebook: An open-source web application that allows users to create and share documents that contain live code, equations, visualizations, and narrative text.
• Leaflet.js: An open-source library used to deploy simple, interactive, lightweight web maps.
• NLP (natural language processing): A branch of artificial intelligence that helps computers understand, interpret, and manipulate human language.
• RESTful API: An application programming interface (API or web API) that conforms to the constraints of REST (Representational State Transfer) architectural style and allows for interaction with RESTful web services.
• Supervised machine learning: A subcategory of machine learning and artificial intelligence defined by its use of labeled data sets to train algorithms to classify data or predict outcomes accurately.
• Web scraping: The process of extracting large amounts of information from a website.

Digital Marketing Tech Terms

Digital marketing is constantly evolving to keep pace with digital tech advancements and user base engagement. Understanding digital marketing terms will help you grasp key trends and keep pace with innovation in this exciting field.

• Backlinks: Any incoming link to your website (i.e., anytime your website is linked from another one, a backlink is created).
• Content optimization: The process of writing content in a way that it reaches the greatest percentage of a target audience. This includes the strategic use of such elements as keywords, meta tags, and links.
• Conversion rate optimization: The process of crafting a website experience to enhance the likelihood that visitors will make a desired decision or take the desired action (conversion) while visiting your page.
• Display advertising: Sometimes called banner advertising, this process involves the use of graphics, pictures, videos, or other visual elements to sell a product or service.
• Domain authority: A measurement in search engine ranking that determines the level of perceived influence a website has through such items as site longevity and backlinks.
• Keyword research: The process of researching terms commonly typed into search engines (e.g., Google, Bing) and including them in your content appropriately, resulting in your content appearing higher up on search engine results pages (SERP). 
• KPI (Key Performance Indicator): Metrics that quantifiably measure the level of success achieved by marketing efforts (e.g., an increase in click-through rates, higher user engagement).
• Lead generation: A marketing activity which aims to grab a user’s interest in a brand, product, or service using a variety of communication channels and tactics.
• Link building: A marketing activity which causes other websites to link back to a website, driving web traffic and increasing search engine ranking metrics such as domain authority.
• Paid content: External marketing efforts which pay for specific content placement across a variety of channels.
• Paid search: Sponsored advertisements that display on search engines (such as Google and Bing)  results pages (SERPs). These ads are usually on a pay-per-click (PPC) rate, meaning that the advertiser doesn’t pay until someone clicks on their ad.
• Remarketing: A form of online advertising targeting people who have previously visited a particular website or mobile application.
• Retargeting: A form of online advertising targeting people who have previously visited a website or mobile application, but have not taken a specific action.
• SEO (search engine optimization): A marketing strategy used to move a website as high up on a search engine result page (SERP) as possible.
• WordPress+: An open-source software used to create websites or blogs, sometimes used as a content management system (CMS).

FinTech Tech Terms

Fintech is a rapidly growing field which many people still find challenging to grasp. A strong understanding of fintech tech terms will help you understand the basics and prepare you to learn more complex concepts, including how cryptocurrency is changing the financial marketplace. 

• Algorithmic trading: A process using formulas and modeling to make trades based on pre-programmed instructions, while accounting for price, trade volume, and other variables.
• AWS (Amazon Web Services): A subsidiary of Amazon providing on-demand cloud computing platforms and APIs to individuals, companies, and governments on a metered, pay-as-you-go basis.
• Deep learning: A subset of machine learning where artificial neural networks (e.g., algorithms inspired by the human brain) learn from large amounts of data.
• Distributed ledger: A database that is shared and synced across multiple locations (physical or virtual). This type of database is a key element in blockchain.
• Ethereum: An open-source blockchain with smart contract functionality. Powers the Ether cryptocurrency.
• Ganache: Personal blockchain for Ethereum development used to deploy contracts, develop applications, and run tests (part of Truffle Suite).
• JSON: A text-based data interchange format designed for transmitting structured data and most commonly used for transferring data between web applications and web servers. Pronounced like the name “Jason”.
• Jupyter Notebook: An open-source web application that allows users to create and share documents that contain live code, equations, visualizations, and narrative text.
• Machine learning: A branch of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science that focuses on imitating the way humans learn gradually over time, and applying this method of learning to iterative computer learning processes.
• NLP (natural language processing): A branch of artificial intelligence that helps computers understand, interpret, and manipulate human language.
• PyViz: A tool that makes data visualization easier in Python.
• Random Forests: A classification algorithm consisting of many decision trees.
• Recurrent neural networks: A sequential data algorithm that remembers inputs and, as a result, is able to enhance its performance through machine learning (e.g., Siri, Alexa).
• Resampling: Generating a new sample from an existing data set. In fintech, this method is used when there are too few records in a target group for use during model development. 
• Smart contracts: A program or protocol which automatically executes, controls, or documents legally relevant events or actions in alignment with contract terms.
• Truffle Suite: A development environment, testing framework, and asset pipeline focused on development of smart contracts for Ethereum. The suite consists of Truffle, Ganache, Drizzle, and Teams.

Product Management Tech Terms

Understanding common product management terms will help you grasp key concepts, as well as enable you to apply product management best practices in your workplace. 

• Agile methodologies: An approach to software development centered around adaptive planning, self-organization, and short delivery times which focuses on continuous iteration of development and testing. Examples include Scrum, eXtreme Programming (XP), and Feature-Driven Development (FDD).
• Agile vs. Waterfall: Waterfall methodology is linear, in that it follows a sequential process, while Agile is an incremental, iterative approach (e.g., testing concurrently, not sequentially). 
• Cohort analysis: A type of analytics where data points are clustered into related groups in order to gain a better understanding of their attributes, behaviors, etc.
• Design thinking: A non-linear, iterative process that helps teams understand users, challenge assumptions, redefine problems, and create innovative solutions. There are traditionally five phases to this process: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test.
• Epics: Large chunks of work that are segmented into smaller tasks and span across multiple sprints, teams, and projects.
• ICE (Impact, Confidence, Ease) scoring: Each component receives a score from one to 10 (e.g., Impact: 6, Confidence: 2, Ease: 5), which results in an overall score applied to each project. These scores help teams objectively prioritize projects and associated resources.
• Kanban: A framework used to implement agile and DevOps (a combination of software development and IT operations).
• Kano Model: A customer-centric approach to prioritizing product features on a roadmap.
• KPI (key performance indicator): Metrics that quantifiably measure the level of success achieved by marketing efforts.
• Product mindset: A product-centric delivery model that focuses on longer-term KPIs such as ROI, customer satisfaction, or customer experience as opposed to a primary focus on timeline and budget. This mindset also anticipates and includes frequent updates or releases into roadmaps so as to iteratively achieve the right product build. 
• Proto-personas: A starting point to evaluate product ideas and early design hypotheses incorporating customer needs and anticipated product usage goals/outcomes. This typically involves using customer research methods to develop ideal user profiles that determine overall strategy.
• Retrospectives: A meeting held after a product goes live or is distributed to review the product development and release process. The goal is to iteratively improve the process by applying key learning from the past to future rounds. 
• Roadmap: A shared master document that details the vision, direction, priorities, and progress of a product over time.
• Scrum: An agile framework that helps product development teams work together to deliver, maintain, and market the product in alignment with organizational strategies and goals.
• Sprint planning: Focused, thematic work sessions during which the product manager provides engineers and/or developers with the requirements and work to be done. The engineering/development team then asks any questions, or details any contingencies, and commits to a work completion date.
• Tableau: A data visualization tool that helps product managers utilize and communicate data insights regarding their products.
• Themes: Elements of product roadmaps that communicate groups of epics or features while also conveying the ultimate value of the product to the consumer/end user.

Tech Project Management Tech Terms

Project management terms are important to understand not only as part of the project management discipline, but also as key elements in tech innovation that is pursued in any industry.

• Agile Methodology: An approach to software development centered around adaptive planning, self-organization, and short delivery times; focusing on iterative development and testing. 
• Canva: A graphic design platform used to create graphics, presentations, and other visual aids without the need for design experience.
• Change management: The use of a process or set of tools to lead the “people side” of change in order to ingrain it into everyday process and culture.
• Framework: A platform for developing software applications which may also include code libraries, a compiler, and other programs used in the software development process.
• Kanban: A framework used to implement agile and DevOps software development.
• KPI (key performance indicator): Metrics that quantifiably measure the level of success achieved by marketing efforts.
• Scrum ceremonies: Processes used to plan and organize the current sprint’s work and review the pros and cons of previous sprint activities. Defined Scrum ceremonies: sprint planning, daily scrum, sprint review, sprint retrospective.
• Scrum methodology: An agile framework that helps product development teams work together to deliver, maintain, and market the product in alignment with organizational strategies and goals.
• Smartsheet: A project management, collaboration, and crowdsourcing tool available as a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution.
• Soft skills: Abilities that relate to how an individual works and interacts with other people including communication, teamwork, resilience, creativity, problem solving, and other interpersonal skills.
• Sprint method: A scrum event that is time-boxed to one month or less, that serves as a container for the other Scrum events and activities. Sprints are done consecutively, without intermediate gaps.
• Sprint backlog: A Scrum artifact that provides an overview of the development work to realize a sprint’s goal, typically a forecast of functionality and the work needed to deliver that functionality. 
• Waterfall methodology: The most traditional project management method that breaks a project into defined phases which are then addressed sequentially. New phases of the project can only be addressed after the previous phase is complete.
• WBS (work breakdown structure): A visual, hierarchical, and deliverable-oriented project graph with the final deliverable on top of the diagram with the project scope, phases, deliverables, and tasks illustrated in the levels below. 

UX/UI Tech Terms

While the disciplines of user experience and user interface design are typically labeled under the umbrella of UX/UI, it’s important to understand that they are interrelated but distinct fields. Conversely, an understanding of both UX terms and UI terms is important to correctly discuss the application of UX/UI principles in your profession.

• Accessibility: An approach built upon enabling all users (of all abilities) to understand, use, and enjoy a website with relative ease. Often, compliance with section 508 is an associated standard.
• Adobe XD: A vector-based user experience design tool used in web and mobile app development.
• Color theory: Guidelines regarding the application of color schemes in visual interfaces that UX/UI designers employ to enhance the user experience.
• Design thinking: An iterative process employed to understand user needs, challenge assumptions, and solve problems through multiple lenses of perception and experience.
• Feature prioritization: The process of planning the order in which product features are developed based on the product roadmap.
• Heuristic evaluation: A usability review of a site’s interface compared to accepted usability principles, where the analysis results in a list of potential usability issues.
• Iconography: The use of compact symbols representing objects, actions, or ideas that are easily comprehended quickly. They may be literal or metaphorical representations.
• Interaction design: A discipline that considers the interaction (via interface) between the designed system and its user.
• Paper prototype: A technique that involves creating hand drawings of user interfaces to enable rapid design, simulation, and testing.
• RWD (responsive web design): An approach that enables web pages to render on a variety of devices and screen sizes.
• Typography: The arrangement and spacing of letters and text to make copy legible, clear, and visually appealing.
• Usability: A user-focused metric that is measured against five criteria: memorability, efficiency, errors, learnability, and satisfaction (MEELS).
• Visual prototyping: A mockup representing the appearance, but not the functionality, of a design (e.g., website, software).
• Web prototyping: A demonstration of what a website will look like when live. It may include some functionality as well as the look and feel of the site.
• Wireframing: A two-dimensional illustration of a web page’s intended interface, focusing on space allocation and prioritization of content, functionality, and intended behaviors. Typically styling, color, or graphics are not included.