The Back-End
Cloud
Before you start
Dictionary for Technical Terms

Dictionary

TermDefinition
APIApplication Programming Interface - a set of functions and procedures that allow the creation of applications which access the features or data of an operating system, application, or other service.
API KeyA code passed in by computer programs calling an API to identify the calling program, its developer, or its user to the Web site.
Back-EndThe part of a computer system or application that is not directly accessed by the user, typically responsible for storing and manipulating data.
Base URLThe beginning part of a URL, typically including the scheme (e.g., http, https), host name, and optionally the port number.
Bearer TokenA security token that allows any party in possession of the token (a "bearer") to use it without proving possession of cryptographic key material.
ClientA piece of computer hardware or software that accesses a service made available by a server in the client-server model of computer networks.
Cloud ComputingThe on-demand availability of computer system resources, such as data storage and computing power, without direct active management by the user.
Continuous DeliveryA software engineering approach that ensures software can be reliably released manually in short cycles.
Continuous DeploymentA software engineering approach that ensures software can be reliably released automatically in short cycles.
Continuous IntegrationThe practice of merging all developers' working copies to a shared mainline multiple times a day.
DatabaseAn organized collection of data, generally stored and accessed electronically from a computer system.
Front-EndThe part of a computer system or application that the user interacts with directly.
HTTP RequestA message sent from the client to the server. The message includes a "request line" (containing the method, URL, and HTTP version), "request header fields," and an "entity body" containing the data associated with the request.
Integration TestsSoftware testing where individual units are combined and tested as a group to expose faults in the interaction between integrated units.
JSONJavaScript Object Notation - a lightweight data-interchange format. It is easy for humans to read and write, and for machines to parse and generate.
MongoDBA cross-platform document-oriented database program classified as a NoSQL database program that uses JSON-like documents with schema.
NoSQLA mechanism for storage and retrieval of data modeled in means other than the tabular relations used in relational databases.
OOPObject Oriented Programming - a programming paradigm based on the concept of "objects," which contain data (attributes) and code (methods).
SQLStructured Query Language - a domain-specific language used in programming for managing data held in a relational database management system (RDBMS) or for stream processing in a relational data stream management system (RDSMS).
ServerA computer program or device that provides functionality for other programs or devices, known as "clients."
Test CoverageA measure describing the degree to which the source code of a program is executed when a particular test suite runs.
Test Driven DevelopmentA software development process that relies on automated tests to define desired improvements, produce code, and refactor it to acceptable standards.
Unit TestsCode written by a developer that executes a specific functionality and asserts a certain behavior or state.