The technological landscape seems to constantly be evolving with new sectors and subsets. If you’re interested in entering into the world of tech, it’s important to know what types of technology there are and what tech terms are associated with them. Stay informed and decode the latest tech buzzwords with our essential glossary, covering everything from emerging sectors to cutting-edge tech terms.
Tech Definitions
Data Science Terms
1. Algorithm: a sequence of computational steps and instructions implemented to solve problems, perform tasks, process data, perform calculations, and make decisions.
2. Back end: the server and infrastructure of software and website applications that processes, stores, and retrieves data and enables systems to function properly.
3. Data analytics: the process of collecting, reviewing, and evaluating data to discover patterns and make better decisions.
4. Database: a system that collects, organizes, and manages interconnected information and data.
5. Data mining: the process of sorting through large data pools to uncover patterns, trends, or relationships that can be used to help form predictions or informed choices.
6. Data science: a technological field that involves extracting information and insights from data through scientific methods and tools in order to solve a wide range of complex problems.
7. Front end: the parts of a software or website application that users directly interact with, such as visual and hands-on elements.
8. JavaScript: a scripting language that is used for content updates, multimedia control, and image animation.
9. Python: a common computer programming language that is used in website and software building, task automation, and data analysis.
10. Structured query language: a programming language used to define, retrieve, insert, update, and delete information within databases.
Software Development Terms
11. Application programming interface: rules and procedures that enable various software applications to interact with one another. Usually referred to as API.
12. Compiler: a software program that translates source code from human programming language to machine-readable code.
13. Content management system: a software platform used to create, manage, and publish content on websites or other digital platforms.
14. Hardware: the physical components of electronic devices and computer systems.
15. Software: a set of programs or instructions that enables computers and other electronic devices to perform specific operating tasks like running applications, processing data, and controlling hardware.
16. Software as a service: a software delivery model that allows users to access applications over the internet rather than through physical installation or maintenance. More commonly referred to as SaaS.
17. Source code: the legible version of a computer program written in a programming language that humans can understand. Source code is translated to other codes, like binary code, to be executed by computers.
18. Software development: the process of creating, testing, and maintaining computer applications, programs, and systems.
19. Unit testing: a technique that tests individual software units like functions, methods, classes, and modules to ensure they properly function on their own.
20. User interface: the visual and interactive elements of software and systems that users use to access information and perform tasks.
Information Technology and Cybersecurity Terms
21. Authorization: allowing permission and access to users or entities looking to gain entry and use of a system, application, or resource.
22. Cloud computing: the delivery of computing resources including servers, storage, databases, software, and applications through a remote network connection.
23. Cyberattack: a deliberate attempt to compromise data and resources or disrupt systems, networks, and devices, usually for personal or financial gain.
24. Cybersecurity: the practice of protecting computer and network systems, data, and other digital assets from misuse, damage, disruption, and unauthorized access.
25. Encryption: the process of converting data into a coded or unreadable form to protect it from unauthorized access or interception.
26. File transfer protocol: the standard practices used to upload, download, and manage files between computer networks.
27. Firewall: a network security device or software barrier that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing internal and external network traffic.
28. Information technology: the use, development, management, and maintenance of computer-based systems, software, networks, and electronic data used to acquire, process, and store digital information.
29. Load bearing: the server or network infrastructure capacity to handle and manage workload or traffic effectively.
30. Local area network: a network that connects in a small, local area such as a home or office. Commonly referred to as a LAN.
31. Malware: refers to malicious software that has the intent to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to hardware and software systems, devices, and networks.
32. Network: the collection of computers, servers, routers, modems, and other interconnected devices that communicate, share data, and pass resources among one other.
33. Phishing: a common kind of cyberattack, usually through email, where the culprit impersonates a trusted entity or organization to deceive users and obtain sensitive data.
34. Wide area network: a network that reaches across a large geographical area, either connecting many LANs or individual devices over long distances. Commonly referred to as a WAN.
Artificial Intelligence Terms
35. Artificial intelligence: computer systems and algorithms that perform tasks, process data, and create content that would normally require human intelligence.
36. Conversational AI: AI systems designed to emulate human-like conversations between systems and people.
37. Deep learning: a subset of machine learning that develops artificial neural networks that can learn and make decisions similar to humans.
38. Generative AI: AI systems that create content based on human-generated data.
39. Hallucination: the generation of artificial images, audio, or text that doesn’t correspond to real or existing data.
40. Machine learning: the ability for computer systems to learn, improve, and share information through algorithms and models that enable AI to make predictions or decisions without human intervention or explicit programming.
41. Natural language processing: the interaction between computers and human language that includes the development of algorithms and models to allow systems to understand, interpret, and generate human language.
42. Supervised learning: a machine learning approach where an algorithm learns to make predictions or decisions from defined, labeled data.
43. Unsupervised learning: a machine learning approach where an algorithm learns to understand data patterns and relationships on its own, without any labeled data.
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