In computing, an algorithm is a finite sequence of well-defined instructions used to solve problems or perform computations. Algorithms are fundamental to all aspects of computer science and programming, from simple sorting operations to complex machine learning models. They provide a systematic approach to problem-solving and are evaluated based on factors like efficiency, correctness, and scalability.

An API acts as an intermediary between different software systems, enabling them to exchange data and functionality. APIs define the methods and data formats that applications can use to request and exchange information, making it possible for developers to integrate third-party services and build upon existing platforms without accessing the underlying code.

Artificial Intelligence encompasses a wide range of technologies that enable machines to perceive their environment, learn from experience, and make decisions. AI systems can perform tasks such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. Modern AI leverages techniques like machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks to process vast amounts of data and identify patterns.

Blockchain is a revolutionary technology that maintains a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof record of transactions. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, creating an immutable chain. This decentralized structure eliminates the need for a central authority, making it ideal for applications requiring trust and transparency without intermediaries.

Cloud computing provides on-demand access to computing resources without direct management by the user. It offers scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency by allowing organizations to pay only for the resources they use. Cloud services are typically categorized as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), or Software as a Service (SaaS).

Containers package application code together with all dependencies, libraries, and configuration files needed to run it. They provide consistency across different computing environments and enable efficient resource utilization. Unlike virtual machines, containers share the host system kernel, making them more lightweight and faster to start.

Cybersecurity encompasses technologies, processes, and practices designed to protect computers, networks, programs, and data from attack, damage, or unauthorized access. It includes multiple layers of protection across computers, networks, programs, and data. Effective cybersecurity requires coordinated efforts across information systems, including network security, application security, endpoint security, and data security.

A database is a systematic collection of data that supports storage, retrieval, modification, and deletion of information. Modern databases are managed by Database Management Systems (DBMS) that provide tools for defining, creating, querying, and administering databases. Databases can be relational (SQL) or non-relational (NoSQL), each suited for different use cases.

DevOps is a set of practices that automates and integrates the processes between software development and IT operations teams. It emphasizes collaboration, automation, continuous integration, and continuous delivery (CI/CD). DevOps aims to increase the speed of delivering applications and services while maintaining high quality and reliability.

Encryption transforms readable data (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext) using mathematical algorithms and encryption keys. Only authorized parties with the correct decryption key can convert the ciphertext back to plaintext. Modern encryption uses complex algorithms like AES and RSA to ensure data security during transmission and storage.

A framework is a platform for developing software applications that provides a standard way to build and deploy applications. It includes libraries, APIs, and tools that simplify common development tasks. Frameworks enforce best practices and architectural patterns, allowing developers to focus on application-specific logic rather than infrastructure code.

Git is a free and open-source version control system that tracks changes to files and enables multiple developers to work on the same project simultaneously. It maintains a complete history of all changes, allows branching and merging, and facilitates collaboration through platforms like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket.

HTTP is an application-layer protocol that defines how messages are formatted and transmitted between web browsers and servers. It follows a request-response model where clients send requests and servers respond with the requested resources. HTTPS (HTTP Secure) adds encryption via SSL/TLS for secure communication.

IoT refers to the collective network of connected devices and the technology that facilitates communication between devices and the cloud. IoT devices contain sensors, software, and other technologies that enable them to collect and exchange data over the internet. This interconnected ecosystem spans consumer, commercial, and industrial applications.

JavaScript is a versatile, interpreted programming language that conforms to the ECMAScript specification. Initially designed for client-side web development, it now powers server-side applications (Node.js), mobile apps, and desktop applications. JavaScript enables dynamic content, interactive user interfaces, and real-time updates without page reloads.

JSON is a text-based format for representing structured data based on JavaScript object syntax. It consists of key-value pairs and ordered lists, making it ideal for transmitting data between a server and web application. JSON has become the de facto standard for API responses and configuration files due to its simplicity and language-independence.

Kubernetes orchestrates containers across a cluster of machines, handling tasks like load balancing, scaling, rolling updates, and self-healing. It provides a framework to run distributed systems resiliently, managing when and where containers run, resource allocation, and service discovery. Kubernetes has become the industry standard for container orchestration.

Machine learning enables computers to learn patterns from data and make predictions or decisions without explicit programming. It uses statistical techniques to give computer systems the ability to learn and adapt. ML algorithms build mathematical models based on sample data (training data) to make predictions or decisions without being specifically programmed for each task.

Microservices architecture breaks down applications into loosely coupled, independently deployable services. Each service handles a specific business function and communicates with other services through well-defined APIs. This approach enables easier scaling, faster development cycles, and technology diversity, as each service can be developed and deployed independently.

Neural networks consist of interconnected nodes (neurons) organized in layers that process information. Each connection has a weight that adjusts as learning proceeds, allowing the network to recognize complex patterns in data. Deep neural networks with multiple hidden layers form the foundation of deep learning, enabling breakthrough results in image recognition, natural language processing, and more.

NoSQL databases provide mechanisms for storage and retrieval of data modeled in means other than tabular relations. They are designed to handle large volumes of data, high user loads, and agile development. NoSQL databases excel at horizontal scaling and are optimized for specific data models including document, key-value, wide-column, and graph formats.

Open source software is released under licenses that grant users the rights to use, study, change, and distribute the software to anyone for any purpose. This collaborative development model has produced some of the world most important software, including Linux, Apache, and countless programming tools and frameworks. Open source promotes transparency, community-driven development, and rapid innovation.

Python is a dynamically-typed language that emphasizes code readability with its use of significant indentation. It supports multiple programming paradigms including procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming. Python extensive standard library and massive ecosystem of third-party packages make it ideal for web development, data science, artificial intelligence, automation, and scientific computing.

REST is a software architectural style that defines a set of constraints for creating web services. RESTful APIs use HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) to perform CRUD operations on resources identified by URLs. REST APIs are stateless, cacheable, and support a uniform interface, making them scalable and widely adopted for web services.

SQL is a domain-specific language used to communicate with relational databases. It provides statements for data definition, data manipulation, data control, and transaction control. SQL enables users to create, read, update, and delete data, define database structures, manage permissions, and ensure data integrity through relationships and constraints.

SSL (now deprecated) and its successor TLS establish encrypted links between networked computers. They use cryptography to ensure privacy, authentication, and data integrity during internet communications. HTTPS websites use TLS to encrypt data between browsers and servers, protecting against eavesdropping and tampering.

UI focuses on the visual elements and interactive components users engage with, while UX encompasses the entire journey and satisfaction users have with a product. Good UI/UX design considers usability, accessibility, aesthetics, and user psychology to create intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable experiences. It involves research, prototyping, testing, and iteration.

A virtual machine creates an isolated computing environment on physical hardware, allowing multiple operating systems to run simultaneously on a single physical machine. VMs are managed by hypervisors that allocate resources and provide isolation between instances. They enable efficient hardware utilization, easier testing and development, and simplified disaster recovery.

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server, routing all internet traffic through this secure connection. This protects data from interception, hides your IP address, and allows access to geo-restricted content. VPNs are essential for remote work, protecting privacy on public Wi-Fi, and bypassing censorship.

Webhooks are automated messages sent from apps when specific events occur. Instead of regularly checking for updates (polling), webhooks push data to other applications immediately when events happen. They enable real-time integrations between services and are commonly used for payment notifications, deployment triggers, and system monitoring.

Technology Glossary

A

Algorithm

API (Application Programming Interface)

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

B

Blockchain

C

Cloud Computing

Container

Cybersecurity

D

Database

DevOps

E

Encryption

F

Framework

G

Git

H

HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol)

I

Internet of Things (IoT)

J

JavaScript

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)

K

Kubernetes (K8s)

M

Machine Learning

Microservices

N

Neural Network

NoSQL

O

Open Source

P

Python

R

REST (Representational State Transfer)

S

SQL (Structured Query Language)

SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security)

U

UI/UX (User Interface/User Experience)

V

Virtual Machine (VM)

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

W

Webhook