It is evident that when learning a language, knowing the basics always gives you a head start and makes it easier to learn. When studying a programming language, it is necessary to first understand some of the most important coding terms and definitions.
Without understanding these software programming terminologies, the student may struggle throughout the journey. That is why, for every aspiring coder, we present a comprehensive list of coding terminology and meanings.
This will not only help the person gain insight into a variety of coding terms, but it will also allow the person to clear up some of the coding basics.
The following list displays software programming terminologies as well as other phrases connected to the field of computer science.
Software Programming Terminologies With Examples
Here is a list of some software programming terminologies you should know:
1. Program
A computer program is defined as an organized set of instructions that, when executed, complete a given activity or function. Before a program can be executed, the computer’s central processing unit (CPU) processes it. One example of software is Microsoft Word, a word-processing application that allows users to create and modify documents. We use browsers, which are tools designed to assist us in navigating the internet. Here are some examples of computer programs:
- Web browsers such as Chrome and Firefox.
- Operating systems include Windows and macOS.
- Development Tools: Visual Studio Code.
- Games such as Minecraft and Fortnite.
- Calculator Application
2. Algorithm
An algorithm is a step-by-step technique or collection of rules used to solve a problem in programming. For example, search engines like Google utilize algorithms to rank and extract material from large datasets.
3. Debugging
Debugging is the process of identifying and correcting faults or bugs in a program. The debugging process consists of the following steps:
- Run the application and check for any errors.
- Examine the code and identify the problem.
- Check the values of the variables.
- Modify the code to fix the problem.
3. API
The Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of guidelines, procedures, and conventions for creating software applications. APIs facilitate communication with third-party programs or services, which can then be used to develop various software. Companies like Facebook and Twitter aggressively employ APIs to provide developers with easier access to their services.
4. Database
A database is a structured data collection that is designed for efficient retrieval and manipulation by a computer program. It functions similarly to a central repository for archiving data, making it more accessible. Databases employ a database management system (DBMS) to facilitate data maintenance.
5. Syntax
Syntax in programming languages describes the rules that govern how valid statements and expressions are formed by combining symbols, keywords, and other elements. It defines the format and syntax of a programming language so that the compiler or interpreter can understand it.
6. Keyword
A keyword is a word that has a defined meaning and is used to describe the structure and logic of a program. It is part of a programming language’s syntax. A keyword has a reserved meaning in the language and cannot be redefined.
7. Compilation
Compilation is the process by which developers convert human-readable source code into machine-readable code that a computer can execute. A compiler is the piece of software used to compile code. Compilation is an essential stage in the execution of numerous computer languages. Popular programming languages such as C, C++, and Java are compiled before being executed.
8. Git
Git is a piece of software that tracks changes to source code as they occur during software development. It is a distributed version control system that maintains a complete code history.
Version control, commonly known as source control, is a method for managing source code modifications and keeping track of their history over time. It enables several developers to work on the same codebase concurrently while ensuring code quality.
Some popular version control solutions include:
- GitHub
- Bitbucket
9. Bug
A bug is a generic term for an unforeseen fault or defect in hardware or software that causes it to malfunction. Even while bugs are sometimes thought to be minor computer errors, there have been cases where bugs have resulted in life-threatening situations and severe financial losses. This makes it critical to invest in the bug-finding process before programs are released for use in applications. This technique is referred to as testing.
10. ASCII
The American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) is a standard that assigns letters, numerals, and other characters to different slots in an 8-bit code. The total number of available spaces is 256. The ASCII decimal number comes from binary, which is assigned to each letter, number, and character. For example, the ‘$’ sign is allocated the ASCII decimal number 036, but the lowercase ‘a’ letter is assigned 097.
11. Runtime
The duration during which an executable program operates on a system after being launched by a user or another application. This phase involves the program’s interface with system resources and users. Dynamic memory allocation and management. The CPU executes the program’s instructions.
12. Code
Code, often known as source code, is a written set of instructions created using the protocols of a certain language, such as Java, C, or Python. The code can also be used informally to denote content written in a certain language. There are cases where the code is referred to in different languages, such as ‘PHP Code’, ‘HTML Code’, ‘Java Code’, or ‘CSS Code’.
13. Command-line interface
The command-line interface is text-based. The UI allows you to view and manage computer files. Command-line interfaces are sometimes known as command-line user interfaces, console user interfaces, or character user interfaces. During the early 1960s, as well as the 1970s and 1980s, the command line interface was the primary way to communicate with most terminal computers.
14. Build Time
The time it takes for a compiler, linker, or other build tools to convert code into executable format. It is the phase where:
- Source code is translated into machine code or intermediate code.
- Dependencies are identified and resolved.
- The completed software package, or binary, is assembled.
15. Integrated Development Environment
An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a software tool used by programmers for software development. It comprises a code editor, debugger, compiler, and other tools for development. Popular IDEs for programming languages include Visual Studio Code, a lightweight editor; Visual Studio (for languages such as C# and C++), Eclipse (for Java/C++), and PyCharm (for Python).
16. Object-Oriented Programming
Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm that employs objects or classes to create and organize code.
OOP is founded on the concept of “objects,” which can include both data (attributes) and actions (methods). OOP allows you to structure code in a modular, reusable, and intelligible fashion.
17. Class
In object-oriented programming, a class serves as a template for constructing objects. It establishes the attributes and behaviors of the objects to distinguish them according to their features.
A class can inherit properties and actions from another class, allowing for code reuse and the formation of a class hierarchy.
18. Markup Language
A markup language is a simple language composed of easily understood keywords and tags that are used to format the overall appearance of a page and its contents. The language defines codes for formatting a page’s layout and style within a text file. The most common markup languages are HTML, XML, and SGML.
19. Machine Language
Machine language refers to the binary code that a computer’s CPU can execute directly. It is made up of binary instructions (0 and 1) that relate to specific hardware actions.
20. Conditionals
Conditionals are statements in programming that allow code to be executed if a specific condition is true or false. Conditional statements assist in regulating a program’s flow, letting it make decisions based on the programmer’s requirements.
21. HTTP/HTTPS
HTTP, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is an application-layer protocol used to send HTML files over the internet. It is the foundation for data communication on the World Wide Web.
HTTPS (HTTP Secure) is a secure version of HTTP that uses encryption (TLS/SSL protocols) to safeguard data sent between client and server.
22. Front End Development
Frontend development is the process of creating the user interface and experience for a website or web application on the client side. Frontend developers create the layout, visual elements, and functionalities of a website that consumers interact with directly through their web browsers.
Front-end development has three major languages, which include:
- HTML (Hypertext Mark-up Language) is used to construct web page content such as headings, paragraphs, links, and graphics.
- CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): used for styling and layout elements such as colors, spacing, and fonts.
- JavaScript: used for interactive client-side action.
23. Backend Development
Backend development is a popular and well-known software programming terminology in computer science. It refers to the server-side development of a web application. Backend developers are in charge of implementing server logic, databases, APIs, and other components that make a website or web application function. Backend developers utilize the following programming languages:
- Python
- Java
- PHP
- Ruby
24. UI Design
User Interface (UI) design refers to the visual and interactive parts of a website with which users engage directly. It has components like:
- Layout Typography
- Colors
- Icons and pictures.
- Buttons and Links
25. UX Design
User Experience (UX) design is concerned with the total user experience when engaging with a website. It covers user interaction, including accessibility.
26. Framework
A web development framework is a collection of reusable tools, libraries, and pre-written code that serves as the base for developing software applications.
It accelerates the development process and provides an organized approach to creating and organizing code, decreasing the need for repetitive code.
Frameworks in various programming languages include:
- Django (Python)
- Ruby on Rails (Ruby)
- Laravel (PHP)
- Some popular JavaScript frameworks are NextJS, React, and Angular.
27. Block Coding
Block coding is a specific component of a computer program. It’s a visual programming language that uses blocks rather than words. It makes programming more accessible by introducing essential coding concepts such as sequences, loops, and conditionals without requiring syntactic knowledge.
Objects are groups of linked variables, constants, and data structures that can be selected and modified together. An object can include shapes that appear on a screen or the age of students in a school.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. These are some of the most important software programming terminologies to know when you first start. Do you see something you don’t understand, or do you believe we overlooked something important? Please let us know in the comments.