Coding and Technology Glossary

Welcome to Geeky Kids' comprehensive glossary of coding and technology terms! This guide is designed to help parents and kids navigate the world of coding and technology education. Whether your child is new to coding or already exploring advanced concepts, this glossary will help you understand the terminology they’re learning.

A

  • Algorithm: A step-by-step set of instructions designed to perform a specific task or solve a particular problem. In coding, algorithms are used to direct the computer on how to perform operations.

  • API (Application Programming Interface): A set of tools and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate with each other. APIs are essential for integrating different systems and enabling them to work together.

B

  • Binary Code: The most basic form of code that computers use, consisting of only two digits: 0 and 1. Everything a computer processes is translated into binary.

  • Bug: An error or flaw in a computer program that causes it to behave unexpectedly or produce incorrect results. Debugging is the process of finding and fixing these errors.

C

  • Coding: The process of writing instructions in a programming language that a computer can understand and execute. Coding is the foundation of creating software, apps, and websites.

  • CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): A language used to describe the presentation (layout and style) of a webpage. It works alongside HTML to make websites visually appealing.

  • Cloud Computing: A technology that allows data and applications to be stored and accessed over the internet instead of on a local computer. This makes it easier to share resources and access information from anywhere.

D

  • Debugging: The process of identifying and correcting errors or bugs in a computer program to ensure it runs smoothly.

  • Database: A structured set of data held in a computer that can be easily accessed, managed, and updated. Databases are used to store everything from simple lists to complex sets of information.

E

  • Encryption: The process of converting data into a code to prevent unauthorized access. Encryption is crucial for securing sensitive information online.

  • Ethernet: A common technology used to connect computers in a local area network (LAN). It allows devices to communicate with each other within a limited area, such as a home or school.

F

  • Firewall: A security system that controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Firewalls are essential for protecting computers from unauthorized access.

  • Frontend: The part of a website or application that users interact with directly. It includes everything that users see and experience, such as the layout, design, and navigation.

G

  • Git: A version control system that tracks changes to code during software development. It allows developers to collaborate and manage different versions of a project.

  • GUI (Graphical User Interface): A visual way of interacting with a computer using elements like windows, icons, and buttons, as opposed to text-based commands.

H

  • HTML (HyperText Markup Language): The standard language used to create and structure content on the web. HTML provides the basic structure of a webpage.

  • Hardware: The physical components of a computer system, such as the monitor, keyboard, and hard drive.

I

  • IDE (Integrated Development Environment): A software application that provides comprehensive tools for coding, including a code editor, debugger, and compiler, all in one place.

  • IP Address: A unique string of numbers that identifies each device connected to a network. IP addresses are essential for routing information across the internet.

J

  • JavaScript: A programming language commonly used to create interactive effects within web browsers. JavaScript is essential for adding dynamic content to websites.

  • JSON (JavaScript Object Notation): A lightweight data-interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write and easy for machines to parse and generate.

K

  • Keyword: A specific word or phrase in code that has a special meaning or function. Keywords are the building blocks of a programming language.

  • Kernel: The core part of an operating system that manages the system’s resources and allows communication between hardware and software.

L

  • Loop: A sequence of instructions that repeats until a certain condition is met. Loops are fundamental in coding for automating repetitive tasks.

  • Linux: An open-source operating system that is widely used in servers, supercomputers, and embedded systems.

M

  • Machine Learning: A type of artificial intelligence that allows computers to learn from and make decisions based on data. Machine learning is used in various applications, from recommendation systems to self-driving cars.

  • Malware: Malicious software designed to harm, exploit, or otherwise compromise a computer system. Examples include viruses, worms, and ransomware.

N

  • Network: A group of interconnected computers that can communicate and share resources. Networks can range from small local networks to large global networks like the internet.

  • Node: A single point in a network, which can be a computer, router, or other device that connects to the network.

O

  • Open Source: Software that is freely available to the public to use, modify, and distribute. Open-source projects encourage collaboration and transparency in software development.

  • Operating System (OS): The software that manages a computer’s hardware and provides a platform for applications to run. Examples include Windows, macOS, and Linux.

P

  • Programming Language: A set of rules and syntax used to write code that a computer can execute. Examples include Python, Java, and C++.

  • Python: A popular, high-level programming language known for its readability and ease of use. Python is widely used in web development, data analysis, and artificial intelligence.

Q

  • Query: A request for information from a database. Queries are used to retrieve, add, update, or delete data in a database.

  • Queue: A data structure used to store and manage data in a particular order, typically on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis.

R

  • RAM (Random Access Memory): A type of computer memory that is used to store data temporarily while a program is running. More RAM allows a computer to run more programs simultaneously.

  • Router: A device that forwards data packets between computer networks, directing the data along the most efficient route.

S

  • Scratch: A block-based visual programming language primarily used by children to create games, animations, and interactive stories.

  • Server: A computer or software that provides services to other computers on a network, such as hosting websites or managing email.

T

  • Technology Stack: A combination of software products and programming languages used to create a web or mobile application. A typical stack might include an operating system, a web server, a database, and a programming language.

  • TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): A set of rules governing the connection of computer systems on the internet. It ensures that data is properly transmitted across networks.

U

  • UI (User Interface): The means by which a user interacts with a computer or software application. A good UI is intuitive and easy to use.

  • URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The address used to access a webpage on the internet. It typically starts with "http://" or "https://".

V

  • Variable: A storage location in programming that holds a value that can change as the program runs. Variables are used to store data and manipulate it during the execution of a program.

  • VPN (Virtual Private Network): A service that creates a secure, encrypted connection over the internet, protecting your data and identity while online.

W

  • Wi-Fi: A technology that allows devices to connect to the internet wirelessly. Wi-Fi networks are common in homes, schools, and public places.

  • Web Browser: A software application used to access and view websites on the internet. Examples include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari.

X

  • XML (eXtensible Markup Language): A markup language used to store and transport data. XML is both human-readable and machine-readable.

  • XSS (Cross-Site Scripting): A type of security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into webpages viewed by others.

Y

  • YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language): A human-readable data serialization format often used for configuration files and data exchange between languages with different data structures.

  • YouTube API: A set of tools provided by YouTube that allows developers to interact with YouTube's features, such as searching for videos or uploading content programmatically.

Z

  • Zip File: A compressed file format that reduces the size of files, making them easier to store and share. Zip files can contain multiple files and folders.

  • Zero-Day: A security flaw in software that is unknown to the vendor and can be exploited by hackers before it is patched.