Due to the rapid expansion of computer science, tech terminology is now defined by the frequent production of new words. The increased use of new and problematic terms frequently leads to misunderstandings among specialists in the tech industry. It complicates learning technical terms for aspiring tech people.
We have made a list of tech terms and essential concepts used in the industry. The following tech terminology cheat sheet will define 20 technical terms every aspiring software engineer should know. It also includes brief definitions of five common and five advanced tech words and phrases.
What Is Tech?
Tech, or technology, is the science of meeting the needs of humankind through technical means. Technology brings together tools that help people generate, use, and share knowledge. Its primary goal is to make tasks easier and solve many of humanity’s issues. New technological advancements save lives, increase job opportunities, and make the world better.
In this article, the term tech is used primarily to denote information technology, a system of methods, processes, and ways of using computers and communication techniques to create, collect, transmit, search, and process information to effectively organize people’s activities.
Who Uses Tech Terminology?
Basic tech terminology is familiar to average Internet users, while tech professionals use more advanced technical terms. In this article, we will focus on the terms used by computer and information technology specialists, particularly software engineers whose median annual salary in the US was $110,140 as of May 2020.
The increasing emphasis on cloud computing, collecting and storing extensive data, and information security drives the demand for computer and information technology workers.
From 2020 to 2030, employment among computer and information technology occupations is expected to grow by 13%, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
List of Tech Terms: Things Every Software Engineer Should Know
- Antivirus Program
- Application Programming Interface (API)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Backend
- Front End
- Cascading Style Sheet (CSS)
- Content Curation
- Databases
- Development Operations (DevOps)
- Frameworks
- Internet Service Provider
- Machine Learning
- Mobile Devices
- Online Environments
- Personal Computer
- Programming Language
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Stacks
- Virtual Machine
- User Experience (UX)
Glossary of Tech Terminology: 5 Common Tech Terms
The following section lists five essential technical terms from the field of information technology. It includes brief definitions and explanations of why it’s crucial for aspiring software engineers to familiarize themselves with these common tech concepts.
Backend
The backend of a computer application or program refers to the sections of the code that are not visible to the user. The backend, often known as the data access layer of the software or hardware device, encompasses any functionality that requires digital access and navigation.
Why a Software Engineer Needs to Know About Backend
While there is an option to work as a front-end developer without a deep knowledge of backend, any software engineer needs to understand how the software application or program is built on the backend.
Database
In computing, a database is a collection of data stored under the data model, which is manipulated by the rules of data modeling tools. A database management system (DBMS) is software that captures and analyzes data through interacting with end users, applications, and the database itself.
Why a Software Engineer Needs to Know About Databases
Any software developer should have a fundamental understanding of databases and how to store and retrieve data using Structured Query Language (SQL). They should also be familiar with where databases are located in the application, and understand keys, views, stored procedures, and triggers.
Front End
A front end is a computer’s graphical user interface. Front end development ensures that a web page’s many visual elements are functional and dynamically presented. It includes providing all of a website’s typefaces, menus, visuals, animations, and buttons, and making sure they function correctly.
Why a Software Engineer Needs to Know About Front End
Front-end development is vital in assisting people in linking a business’s website with their items elsewhere. A software engineer might specialize in desktop, mobile devices, or web app development, with front end, backend, or full stack as subspecialties.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software as a service is a model of distributing software to consumers in which a provider develops, deploys, and manages a web program for use by customers over the Internet. Customers do not pay for the ownership of the programs as such, but for their use.
Why a Software Engineer Needs to Know About SaaS
SaaS solutions are one of the most rapidly expanding divisions of the IT business, becoming the go-to for many enterprises for various reasons, including flexibility and affordability. Knowing the principles of SaaS helps software engineers to better understand the needs of end users.
User Experience (UX)
User experience is what a person experiences when using a product or service. The main objects of research are the impressions, emotions, and benefits derived from the interaction with the product. The experience also includes practicality, ease of use, and system speed.
Why a Software Engineer Needs to Know About UX
Understanding the user experience and user journey helps software engineers develop better software architecture. A better knowledge of the most typical cases and exceptions will narrow down the system’s intended use and anticipate realistic mistake scenarios.
Tech Terminology Cheat Sheet: 5 Advanced Tech Terms
Advanced technical terms are specialized terms used by industry professionals. Below is a list with brief explanations of five advanced computer and information technology concepts. Read on to learn why these concepts are vital for software engineers.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence refers to the programmed intelligence demonstrated by an actual machine rather than the natural intelligence of humans. It is a branch of computational linguistics and computer science that takes care of formalizing problems and tasks that are similar to those of humans.
Why a Software Engineer Should Know About AI
Testing a system for every condition it will experience is impossible. An AI system helps software engineers enhance their engineering competence by providing intelligent answers to never-before-seen scenarios that have a high probability of being correct.
Application Programming Interface (API)
Application Programming Interface is a set of definitions of routines, interaction protocols, and tools for creating software. APIs allow one computer program’s capabilities to be used by another.
Why a Software Engineer Should Know About API
APIs are critical tools for companies in all industries. They’re a way for two separate programs to communicate with each other. APIs provide software engineers with tools for rapid software development.
Frameworks
A web development framework is a collection of resources and tools that software developers can use to create and maintain web applications, services, and websites. Ruby on Rails, Laravel, Django, ASP.NET, and Express are examples of the most popular frameworks.
Why a Software Engineer Should Know About Frameworks
Frameworks are helpful technologies that make a software engineer’s job easier. They provide a set of predefined design and development conventions that can be applied to your website and updated as needed.
Machine Learning
Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence in computer science that often uses statistical techniques to allow computers to learn from data without being explicitly programmed to do so.
Why a Software Engineer Should Know About Machine Learning
Problem-solving skills are essential for software engineers. Machine learning focuses on solving problems in real time, making the ability to think critically and creatively about problematic terms and generate solutions a prerequisite.
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Stacks
A tech stack, also known as a solutions stack, technology infrastructure, or data ecosystem, is a list of all the technology services that are utilized to create and run a single application. It typically consists of programming languages, frameworks, a database, front end tools, backend tools, and apps coupled via APIs.
Why a Software Engineer Should Know About Stacks
Tech stacks summarize programming languages, frameworks, and tools, making it simple for software engineers to express a lot of information about how an application is developed. The tech stack indicates the overall application’s strengths and shortcomings.
How Can I Learn Tech Terminology in 2022?
There are many ways to learn essential tech terminology. You can study a glossary of tech concepts, read books on tech terminology, enroll in one of the many online tech courses, attend university to earn a computer science degree, or enroll in a coding bootcamp.
Coding bootcamps provide hands-on training to help you establish a career in technology in various sectors. By attending a coding bootcamp, you can quickly learn tech terminology and the skills you need to start a software engineering job shortly after.
Tech FAQ
Yes, if you’re looking to upskill and work in a unique, entertaining, demanding, and fulfilling field. The tech industry is snowballing, and the employment of software engineers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is expected to expand by 22% from 2020 to 2030.
The highest-paying jobs for software engineers are in machine learning and artificial intelligence. The most in-demand technological experts include data scientists, big data engineers, software architects, blockchain engineers, DevOps engineers, and full-stack developers.
Consider enrolling in a coding bootcamp. These are immersive tech programs providing hands-on training in various fields to help you acquire the skills you need to land your first tech job quickly.
Software engineers typically create new software programs (e.g., commercial applications or computer games) and computer operating systems, and/or improve existing ones. They examine the software and processes that allow computers to function, identifying areas for improvement.
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