The world of website development is riddled with terms that have become buzzwords. Not only does this mean these words are used incorrectly, but they often lose their actual purpose – to help your next web project run more smoothly. When it comes to making your website, it’s important to communicate clearly with everyone on the team. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a place on the web you could go to that acts as an English-to-web developer dictionary? Queue this article.
Below are some terms and definitions – nothing too in depth – to help you and your team get on the same page when making your website. Bookmark it, use it and comment to get more definitions added to the list. Let’s start talking smarter when it comes to websites.
Web Development Terms and Definitions
Last updated: July 22, 2015
Note: Definitions are in alphabetical order. If you see a term you don’t understand in a definition, you can probably find it listed on this page.
Back-End – Describes the code that makes up the functionality of your site. A user never sees this, but this is what makes the website work. This is usually done with a language like PHP in conjunction with databases.
CMS (Content Management System) – A tool that lets a site owner change the content on their site without having to write code. Some popular options include WordPress, Drupal and Joomla.
CSS – The code used to give a designed look to a website written with HTML.
Database – A programmed data storing structure. Databases use tables and fields to make information accessible in the back-end of a website.
DNS (Domain Name System) – Method used to assign domain names to IP Addresses. For example, typing http://216.58.216.142/ or http://google.com into your web browser will take you to the same place.
Domain – Also known as Domain Name. The url users type into their browser’s address bar to access your website. Consists of a unique name followed by .com, .org, .net, etc.
Front-End – Describes the code that makes what you actually see when you visit a website address. This is typically done with HTML, CSS and Javascript.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) – This is basically the way web developers upload files to your web host so users can access them on the internet.
HTML – The code that tells a browser how to display text and images on your website.
IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) – A set of numbers assigned to a server, computer or device that are used to identify it from other devices on the internet. IP addresses look like 22.123.123.22
Javascript – A programming language used to enhance functionality of a website. This code is run from a user’s browser.
Language – We’re not talking English or French. Basically, a developer can use different syntax to code your website. These syntaxes are grouped together into what are called programming languages, which could include PHP, Javascript, etc.
PHP – A programming language that enables a website to interact with a database and perform certain functions on its back-end.
Prototype – In the web development process, a prototype is a basic working example of the website that shows the functionality and hierarchical order of content on the site. Effective prototypes are quickly made, disposable, and have limited graphic and design elements.
SaaS (Software as a Service) – A software application that lives on the internet. Often users must pay to use these services, but not always. An example would be QuickBooks Online.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) – Creating a website in a specific way that uses target phrases and words to improve the site’s search rankings on Google, Bing, etc.
Sitemap – A graphical representation that shows the hierarchical relationship between all pages of a website.
Server – A computer that stores files so they can be accessed from a network (i.e. the internet).
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) – Standard used to send email messages across the internet.
SPF Record – A file included with your DNS record that helps email services verify emails sent from your domain name. This is a measure that helps prevent spammers from faking emails sent from user@yourdomain.com.
Responsive Web Design (RWD) – Designing and programming a website to show different layouts of content based on the width of a browser window. This means a website is better formatted on desktops, tablets and mobile phones.
User – Anyone who will be visiting and interacting with your website.
UX (User Experience) – The actual experience a user has when visiting your website. A good user experience is one where the user can interact with the website easily and has a positive experience.
UI (User Interface) – Also known as GUI (Graphical User Interface). The content, organization and design of your website with which a user interacts.
Web Host – A company that runs a server where files can be stored and accessed from the internet.
Wireframe – A graphical representation that shows the functional elements of a website. Wireframes have little to no design. They are used to plan out a good user experience before spending time designing and building a website.
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