Demystifying Web Development Jargon
Web development doesn't have to feel like a foreign language. Use this glossary to explore common terms and concepts, explained simply, so you can navigate the tech world with confidence.
A
API
Application Programming Interface, a set of rules that allow different software applications to communicate.
Accessibility
The practice of making websites usable by people of all abilities and disabilities.
B
Backend
The server-side logic and infrastructure that power a website, including databases and APIs.
Backlink
A link from another website to yours, which helps improve search engine rankings.
C
CMS
Content Management System, a platform that allows you to manage and create content on a website without coding.
CSS
Cascading Style Sheets, a language used to style websites by controlling layout, colors, fonts, and more.
CTA
Call to Action, a prompt that encourages users to take a specific action, like 'Contact Us' or 'Learn More'.
Cache
A temporary storage of website data on a user's device to reduce load times for future visits.
Cookies
Small files stored on a user's device by websites to remember preferences, track activity, or manage sessions.
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)
A measure of visual stability that tracks how much elements move unexpectedly on the page.
D
DKIM
DomainKeys Identified Mail, an authentication method that verifies emails are sent from authorized sources.
DMARC
Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance, a protocol that ensures email security and prevents phishing.
DNS
Domain Name System, a system that translates domain names into IP addresses.
DNS Record
A set of instructions that map domain names to specific resources, like IP addresses or email servers.
Domain
A unique address used to access a website, such as example.com.
E
Ecommerce
The buying and selling of goods or services online through a website or application.
F
First Contentful Paint (FCP)
The time it takes for the first piece of content to appear on the screen.
Frontend
The part of a website or application that users interact with directly, such as design and layout.
Full-Stack
A developer or application that handles both frontend and backend development.
G
GDPR
General Data Protection Regulation, a European law that governs data privacy and requires user consent for data collection.
GoDaddy
A popular domain registrar and web hosting provider.
Google Analytics
A tool that tracks website traffic and user behavior, providing insights to improve performance and engagement.
Google Search Console
A tool that helps monitor and optimize website performance in Google search results.
Google Workspace
A suite of productivity tools, including Gmail for professional email addresses using your domain.
H
HTML
HyperText Markup Language, the standard language for creating web pages.
HTTPS
HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure, a secure version of HTTP that uses SSL encryption to protect data.
Hosting
A service that stores website files on servers, making them accessible on the internet.
J
JavaScript
A programming language used to add interactive features like forms, animations, and menus to websites.
L
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)
The time it takes for the largest visible content (e.g., an image or heading) to load.
Lighthouse
An open-source tool from Google that audits website performance, accessibility, SEO, and best practices.
M
Meta Tags
HTML tags that provide search engines with information about a web page, such as its title and description.
Microsoft 365
A productivity suite that includes Outlook for professional email addresses using your domain.
Mobile-First Design
A design approach that prioritizes mobile device users by creating layouts optimized for smaller screens first.
N
Nameserver
A server that translates domain names into IP addresses, directing traffic to the correct website.
O
Off-Page SEO
SEO strategies performed outside of a website, like link building and social media promotion.
On-Page SEO
SEO techniques applied directly to a website, including content, meta tags, and performance optimization.
P
PIPEDA
Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, a Canadian law regulating the collection and use of personal information.
R
Registrar
A company that manages the reservation of domain names, such as GoDaddy or Namecheap.
Responsive Design
A design approach that ensures websites look and function well on any device or screen size.
S
SEO
Search Engine Optimization, the process of improving a website's visibility on search engines.
SERP
Search Engine Results Page, the page displayed by search engines in response to a query.
SPF
Sender Policy Framework, an email authentication method that helps prevent spoofing.
SSL
Secure Sockets Layer, a protocol for encrypting data transferred between a user and a website.
Sitemap
A file that lists all the pages on a website, helping search engines crawl and index them efficiently.
Speed Index (SI)
A metric that shows how quickly content is visually displayed during page load.
Squarespace
A site builder that allows users to create websites using pre-designed templates and a drag-and-drop interface.
T
TLD
Top-Level Domain, the last part of a domain name, like .com or .org.
Third-Party API
An external service integrated into a project, such as payment gateways or social media platforms.
Total Blocking Time (TBT)
The time during which the page is unresponsive to user input while loading.
U
UI/UX
User Interface and User Experience, focusing on how a website looks and how users interact with it.
W
WordPress
A content management system (CMS) used to build websites with pre-made themes and plugins.