There are plenty of words used in software and if you were ever wondering what they mean, you came to the right place. In this article, we’ll explain common software terms in simple language
Let’s get started!
API
An API (Application Programming Interface) is like a waiter between two different computer programs. It helps them communicate with each other by sending and receiving information. Think of it like ordering food in a restaurant – you tell the waiter what you want, and they bring it to you. In the same way, APIs allow different programs to talk to each other and share information.
Architecture
Architecture is the design and planning of buildings or structures. In computer programming, architecture refers to how a software application is designed and organized. It’s like the blueprint for the program – it defines how different parts of the program will work together and how the information will flow between them.
Backend
In web development, the backend is the part of a website or application that you can’t see. It’s the part that communicates with the server, retrieves and stores data, and makes sure everything is working smoothly behind the scenes. For example, when you fill out a form on a website, the data you enter is sent to the backend, which then stores it in a database.
Citizen developer
A citizen developer is someone who creates software applications or tools without formal training in computer programming. It’s like someone who cooks a delicious meal without being a professional chef – they may not have gone to culinary school, but they have the skills and knowledge to create something great. Citizen developers often use low-code or no-code tools to create their applications.
Frontend
The frontend is the part of a website or application that you can see and interact with. It’s what you see on your screen when you use a website or app – the buttons, menus, text, and images. Frontend developers use programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create these user interfaces.
Integrations
Integrations are connections between different software applications or tools. They allow different programs to work together and share information. For example, if you use a customer relationship management (CRM) system for your business, you might want it to integrate with your email marketing platform so you can send targeted emails to your customers.
Logic
In computer programming, logic refers to the rules and decision-making processes that a program uses to solve a problem or complete a task. It’s like a set of instructions that the program follows to reach a certain outcome. For example, a program that sorts a list of numbers uses logic to determine the correct order.
Low code
Low-code development is a way of creating software applications that requires less coding than traditional programming. It’s like using pre-made building blocks to create something new. Low-code platforms provide pre-built components and visual interfaces that allow citizen developers to create applications without writing much code.
Native
Native refers to software that is built specifically for a particular platform or operating system.
For example, an app that is designed for iOS (Apple’s operating system) is a native app for iOS. Native apps are usually faster and more reliable than apps that are built to work on multiple platforms.
Another example would be an automation that is native to a software. For example, SmartSuite has automations that are built into the software and you can create them without leaving the program. Those are native automation. A non-native automation would be one that you use Make.com or Zapier to create.
No code
No-code development is a way of creating software applications without writing any code at all. It’s like using a drag-and-drop interface to create something new. No-code platforms provide pre-built components and visual interfaces that allow even non-technical users to create applications.
Off-the-shelf
Off-the-shelf software is pre-made software that you can buy and use without having to create it yourself. It’s like buying a pre-made meal at the grocery store – you don’t have to cook it from scratch. Off-the-shelf software can be a good option if you need a specific tool or application but don’t want to spend the time and resources to create it from scratch.
SaaS
SaaS (Software as a Service) is a way of delivering software applications over the internet. It’s like renting a car – you don’t own the car, but you can use it for a certain period of time. With SaaS, you don’t have to install or maintain the software yourself – it’s all done by the provider. Examples of SaaS applications include Google Docs, Salesforce, and Dropbox.
UI
UI (User Interface) is the part of a software application or website that the user interacts with. It’s what you see and use on your screen – the buttons, menus, text, and images. UI design is important because it can affect how easy or difficult it is for users to use the application or website.
UX
UX (User Experience) is the overall experience that a user has when using a software application or website. It includes the user interface, but also encompasses the user’s emotions, perceptions, and interactions with the application or website. UX design is important because it can affect how satisfied or frustrated users are with the application or website.