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Imoh Imohowo
Imoh Imohowo

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API, JWT, SSR… WTF? Demystifying 13 Essential Web Dev Acronyms

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Confused by the alphabet soup of web development terms? You’re not alone. As tech evolves, so does its jargon. Here’s a quick guide to 13 essential acronyms every modern developer should recognize!

1. API

Application Programming Interface

The glue of the web: Rules for apps to talk to each other (e.g., PayPal integration).

2. CORS

Cross-Origin Resource Sharing

The bouncer: Security protocol for cross-domain requests. Fixes "Blocked by CORS" errors.

3. JWT

JSON Web Token

Digital ID card: Encrypted tokens for secure authentication (used in 90% of modern auth flows).

4. SSR

Server-Side Rendering

Old-school speed hack: Renders pages on the server. Secret sauce for SEO (Next.js/Nuxt).

5. SSG

Static Site Generation

Pre-baked performance: Serves pre-built HTML (Jamstack). Blazing-fast ⚡ (Vercel/Netlify).

6. PWA

Progressive Web App

Website in a tuxedo: Feels like a native app (offline mode, push notifications).

7. CI/CD

Continuous Integration/Deployment

DevOps superhighway: Automated testing → deployment. Ships code faster 🚀.

8. LCP

Largest Contentful Paint

User patience meter: Load time of biggest visible element. #1 Google Core Web Vital.

9. SPA

Single-Page Application

No-refresh UX: Updates content dynamically (React/Vue/Angular apps).

10. GraphQL

(Not an acronym - but non-negotiable!)

Precision data-fetching: Ask for exactly what you need (REST alternative).

11. OAuth

Open Authorization

"Login with Google" magic: Securely delegates access without passwords.

12. WASM

WebAssembly

Native speed in browsers: Runs C++/Rust apps on the web (games, Photoshop-level tools).

13. RWD

Responsive Web Design

Non-negotiable UX: Sites that adapt to any device. Mobile-first = table stakes.


Why These 13?

They cover:

Core concepts (API, CORS)

Modern architecture (SSR, SSG, PWA)

Critical metrics (LCP)

Security/auth (JWT, OAuth)

Emergent tech (WASM, GraphQL)

Conclusion: Speak the Language, Ship Better Code

Learning these acronyms isn’t about memorizing trivia—it’s about unlocking clearer communication, solving problems faster, and building better web experiences. Next time someone says “Our PWA needs better LCP,” you’ll know it’s not gibberish—it’s your roadmap.

Keep this cheat sheet handy, reference it in meetings, and watch your confidence grow. Got an acronym that still trips you up? Share it below—let’s demystify it together! 👇

Happy coding

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