GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

Glossary for Software Development

Software development is a complex and constantly evolving field that requires a deep understanding of programming languages, tools, and techniques. As new technologies emerge and existing ones evolve, it can be challenging for both beginners and experienced developers to keep up with the latest terms and concepts. That's why having a comprehensive glossary of software development terminology can be incredibly helpful for anyone working in this field.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Learn about 11 Terms about this content

The Software Development Litmus Test

Software Development is the process of designing, building, testing, and deploying software solutions that solve real-world problems and meet the needs and desires of users. It involves an interdisciplinary approach that combines different skills such as software engineering, user experience (UX) design, project management, and quality assurance to create solutions that are both efficient and cost-effective for the companies that create them.

A

Agile software development

An iterative and incremental approach to software development that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, customer satisfaction, and rapid delivery. It involves breaking down the development process into smaller, more manageable pieces, and continuously refining and adjusting the plan based on feedback and changing requirements.

Algorithm

A set of instructions or a procedure used to solve a specific problem or accomplish a specific task. It is a finite sequence of well-defined, unambiguous, and computable steps that take an input and produce an output. Algorithms are commonly used in computer programming, data analysis, optimization, and artificial intelligence.

API (Application Programming Interface)

A set of protocols and tools for building software applications.

Application

A software program designed to perform a specific set of functions or tasks for an end-user. Applications are built using programming languages and are typically designed to run on specific operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, or Linux.

B

Backtracking

A problem-solving technique used in computer science and algorithm design to find a solution to a problem by incrementally building a candidate solution and then undoing some of the steps if they are found to be invalid.

Bug

An error, flaw, or defect in a software program or system that causes it to behave in an unintended or unexpected way. Bugs can range from minor cosmetic issues, such as spelling errors or formatting problems, to serious functional issues, such as crashes, data corruption, or security vulnerabilities.

C

Client-server

A distributed computing architecture in which a software application or system is split into two or more parts, called the client and the server, that communicate over a network. The client is typically a user-facing interface or application that sends requests to the server, which provides services or resources to the client in response.

Command Line Interface (CLI)

A text-based interface used to interact with a computer operating system or software program through a command-line interpreter. A CLI allows users to execute commands by typing text commands or parameters into a terminal window or console, rather than using a graphical user interface (GUI).

Cross Browser Testing

A process of testing a software application or website to ensure its compatibility and functionality across different web browsers and browser versions.

D

Database

A structured collection of data that is organized and stored in a computer system for efficient retrieval and manipulation. A database typically consists of one or more tables, which contain records or rows of related data, and columns or fields that define the data types and attributes of each record.

Domain

The subject area or problem space that a software system is designed to address. The domain represents the specific business or technical area that the software system is intended to serve, and is typically characterized by its own set of rules, terminology, and requirements.

DevOps (Development Operations)

A set of practices and methodologies that emphasizes collaboration, communication, and integration between software developers and IT operations teams.

F

Front-end

The part of a software system or application that interacts directly with the user or customer, typically through a graphical user interface (GUI) or web interface.

I

IDE (Integrated Development Environment)

A software application that provides a comprehensive environment for software development, including a code editor, debugging tools, build automation, version control, and other productivity features. IDEs are designed to improve the efficiency and quality of software development by providing a unified and integrated interface for coding, testing, and deploying software.

Integration Testing

A software testing technique that focuses on testing the interactions and interfaces between different software components or modules to verify their integration and behavior as a whole.

Software Development

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Hey there! My name is Linda Savage, and as a Wovenware Brand Ambassador, I'm always on the lookout for the latest and greatest software development blogs. That's why I've put together a list of the most insightful and thought-provoking software development blogs out there, just for you! So whether you're a software expert or just getting started, you won't want to miss out on these must-read blogs!

Linda Savage

Wovenware Brand Ambassador

N

Nearshore Software Development

A software development model that involves outsourcing software development projects to a company located in a neighboring or nearby country. Nearshore software development is often chosen as an alternative to offshore outsourcing, where software development projects are outsourced to a company located in a distant country.

O

Offshore Software Development

A software development model that involves outsourcing software development projects to a company located far away in a different country, often one with lower labor costs.

P

Prototyping

A software development methodology that involves creating an initial, incomplete version of a software system or application to explore and validate its design and functionality.

R

Risk Management

A software development practice that involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks or threats that could impact the software development process or the software itself.

T

Testing

The process of evaluating software to ensure that it meets the requirements and works as intended.

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