Technology has a language problem. This glossary exists to fix that.
Every definition here is written for real people — no assumptions, no unnecessary complexity, no jargon explaining jargon. If a term has a perfect analogy to explain it, you'll find it here. If a term connects to something else worth understanding, you'll find that link too.
Browse by category, search the page, or look up exactly what you need. This is your reference — use it however it helps.
¿Prefieres leer en español? Algunas definiciones incluyen notas en español para que nada se pierda en la traducción.
The building blocks. If you're new to tech, start here.
What it is: A set of step-by-step instructions designed to solve a specific problem or complete a specific task.
Think of it like this: A recipe is an algorithm. It tells you exactly what to do, in what order, to get a result.
Related terms: Programming, Function, AI
What it is: Software designed to help a user perform specific tasks.
Think of it like this: If the operating system is the kitchen, an application is one of the appliances.
Related terms: Operating System, Software, Web Application
What it is: The fundamental language of computers — 0s and 1s.
Think of it like this: A light switch: off (0) or on (1).
Related terms: Data, CPU, Programming
What it is: The "brain" of the computer.
Think of it like this: The CPU is the chef in a restaurant.
Related terms: RAM, Operating System, Hardware
What it is: The physical components of a computer.
Think of it like this: Hardware is the body; software is the mind.
Related terms: Software, CPU, RAM, Operating System
What it is: The core software that manages hardware and runs applications.
Think of it like this: The OS is the building manager.
Related terms: Linux, Software, Hardware, Command Line
What it is: Short-term memory for active tasks.
Think of it like this: RAM is your desk; storage is your filing cabinet.
Related terms: CPU, Hardware, Storage
What it is: Programs and operating systems.
Think of it like this: Hardware is the instrument; software is the music.
Related terms: Hardware, Application, Operating System, Programming
What it is: A text-based interface for controlling a computer.
Think of it like this: The GUI is automatic transmission; the CLI is manual.
El "command line" o terminal es una de esas cosas que al principio da miedo, pero cuando le agarras el modo, no querrás volver al mouse para todo.
Related terms: Linux, Operating System, Terminal
What it is: Running virtual computers inside a physical computer.
Think of it like this: A full second computer running inside a window.
Related terms: Cloud Computing, Operating System, Linux
How computers talk to each other — and why it matters for everything.
What it is: Maximum data transfer capacity.
Think of it like this: Bandwidth is the width of a pipe.
Related terms: Latency, IP Address, Protocol
What it is: Translates domain names into IP addresses.
Think of it like this: DNS is the internet's contact book.
Related terms: IP Address, HTTP, Domain
What it is: A system that monitors and controls network traffic.
Think of it like this: A firewall is a security guard.
Related terms: Cybersecurity, Network, VPN, Protocol
What it is: A unique identifier for devices on a network.
Think of it like this: An IP address is a home address for your device.
Related terms: DNS, Protocol, Router, Network
What it is: The time it takes for data to travel.
Think of it like this: Latency is the delay between asking and receiving.
Related terms: Bandwidth, Network, Protocol
What it is: A 7-layer model describing network communication.
Think of it like this: Like shipping a package through multiple steps.
Related terms: Protocol, IP Address, Networking, TCP/IP
What it is: Rules for data transmission.
Think of it like this: A shared language with grammar rules.
Related terms: TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS, Networking
What it is: A device that forwards data between networks.
Think of it like this: A traffic dispatcher at an intersection.
Related terms: IP Address, Network, Firewall, Protocol
What it is: A secure, encrypted connection.
Think of it like this: A VPN is like sealing a postcard in an envelope.
Related terms: Encryption, Firewall, Cybersecurity, Protocol
The language of protecting systems, data, and people.
What it is: Verifying identity before granting access.
Think of it like this: Showing your ID at the door.
Related terms: Authorization, MFA, Encryption, Password
What it is: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability.
Think of it like this: The three pillars of information security.
Related terms: Encryption, Authentication, Cybersecurity
What it is: Flooding a server with traffic to make it unavailable.
Think of it like this: Thousands of people calling the same number to jam the line.
Related terms: Botnet, Firewall, Network, Cybersecurity
What it is: Converting readable data into unreadable ciphertext.
Think of it like this: A locked box only the keyholder can open.
Related terms: HTTPS, VPN, Authentication, CIA Triad
What it is: Malicious software designed to harm systems.
Think of it like this: A digital parasite.
Related terms: Phishing, Ransomware, Firewall, Antivirus
What it is: Using multiple verification methods.
Think of it like this: Adding extra locks to your door.
Si todavía no tienes activado el doble factor de autenticación — hazlo hoy.
Related terms: Authentication, Password, Encryption, Cybersecurity
What it is: Authorized simulated attacks to find vulnerabilities.
Think of it like this: Hiring someone to try to break in legally.
Related terms: Ethical Hacking, Vulnerability, Cybersecurity, Network
What it is: Tricking people into revealing sensitive information.
Think of it like this: Digital fishing with fake bait.
Related terms: Social Engineering, Malware, MFA, Cybersecurity
What it is: Manipulating people to gain access.
Think of it like this: Convincing someone inside to open the door.
Related terms: Phishing, Malware, Cybersecurity, Authentication
What it is: A weakness that could be exploited.
Think of it like this: An unlocked window in a secure building.
Related terms: Penetration Testing, Patch, Exploit, Cybersecurity
The vocabulary of building things for the internet.
What it is: Rules for communication between software systems.
Think of it like this: The waiter delivering your order to the kitchen.
Related terms: HTTP, JSON, REST, Web Development
What it is: Controls the visual presentation of a webpage.
Think of it like this: HTML is the skeleton; CSS is the style.
Related terms: HTML, JavaScript, Responsive Design, Front-End Development
What it is: The user-facing side vs. the server side.
Think of it like this: Dining room vs. kitchen in a restaurant.
Related terms: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Database, API
What it is: The structure of a webpage.
Think of it like this: HTML is the skeleton.
Related terms: CSS, JavaScript, Web Development, DOM
What it is: Secure version of HTTP.
Think of it like this: HTTPS is a sealed envelope instead of a postcard.
Related terms: Encryption, TLS, Protocol, Cybersecurity
What it is: The programming language of the web.
Think of it like this: HTML is bones, CSS is appearance, JavaScript is behavior.
Related terms: HTML, CSS, Front-End Development, Node.js
What it is: Websites adapting to different screen sizes.
Think of it like this: Like water taking the shape of its container.
Related terms: CSS, Front-End Development, HTML, UX
The infrastructure that powers the modern internet.
What it is: Three cloud service models.
Think of it like this:
Related terms: Cloud Computing, AWS, Azure, GCP
What it is: Storing data on remote servers.
Think of it like this: A secure warehouse you can access from anywhere. Check out remote resources for hosted solutions.
Related terms: IaaS, SaaS, AWS, Backup
What it is: Ability to handle increased demand.
Think of it like this: A rubber band that stretches when needed.
Related terms: Cloud Computing, IaaS, Load Balancing, AWS
What it is: Running code without managing servers.
Think of it like this: Turning on a tap without knowing the plumbing.
Related terms: Cloud Computing, IaaS, PaaS, AWS Lambda
The vocabulary of writing code.
What it is: A True/False data type.
Think of it like this: A yes/no question for the computer.
Related terms: Conditional, Variable, Function, Python
What it is: An error in code.
Think of it like this: A typo in a recipe.
Related terms: Debugging, Function, Programming
What it is: A reusable block of code.
Think of it like this: A vending machine: input → process → output.
Related terms: Variable, Loop, Programming, Python
What it is: Repeating code until a condition is met.
Think of it like this: Checking items on a shopping list one by one.
Related terms: Function, Conditional, Boolean, Python
What it is: A named container for storing values.
Think of it like this: A labeled box that can hold different things.
Related terms: Function, Data Type, Boolean, Python
Understanding the technology that's reshaping everything.
What it is: A mathematical procedure for learning from data.
Think of it like this: AI algorithms learn from examples instead of following fixed rules.
Related terms: Machine Learning, Model, Training Data, Neural Network
What it is: An AI model trained on massive amounts of text.
Think of it like this: An LLM has read a huge portion of human text and learned patterns.
Related terms: AI, Machine Learning, Neural Network, Prompt
What it is: Systems learning from data to improve performance.
Think of it like this: Showing thousands of examples until the system learns patterns.
Related terms: AI, Neural Network, Training Data, LLM
What it is: A system inspired by the human brain.
Think of it like this: Teaching a child to recognize a cat through examples.
Related terms: Machine Learning, AI, LLM, Deep Learning
What it is: The instruction given to an AI model.
Think of it like this: Briefing a very literal assistant.
Related terms: LLM, AI, Machine Learning
Where development and operations meet.
What it is: Automated testing and deployment of code changes.
Think of it like this: An assembly line that tests every component as it's added and automatically ships the final product the moment it passes inspection.
Related terms: DevOps, Version Control, Docker, Automation
What it is: A lightweight, portable package that includes an application and everything it needs to run — libraries, configuration, runtime.
Think of it like this: A shipping container that keeps its contents identical no matter where it travels — truck, train, or ship. Containers ensure software deployment runs the same everywhere.
Related terms: Docker, DevOps, CI/CD, Cloud Computing
What it is: A system that tracks changes to code over time.
Think of it like this: Like "track changes" in a document — but built for teams of developers working on the same project simultaneously.
Related terms: Git, GitHub, CI/CD, DevOps
Ready to go from definitions to real understanding?