Tech Jargon For Junior Developers

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As a junior developer, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of jargon and technical terms that you'll come across. While it's crucial to understand basic concepts, it's essential to learn new jargon only when it becomes relevant to your work. In this blog post, we'll define some common jargon to give you a head start in your journey as a developer.

Podcast

We cover these terms in depth in our latest HTML All The Things Podcast episode

Junior Developer Guide to Confusing Terms

Jargon Breakdown

Algorithms
An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure to solve a problem or perform a specific task in programming. Algorithms are the building blocks of computer programs, and they are vital for efficient problem-solving.

Data Structures
Data structures are the different ways of organizing and storing data on a computer. They include arrays, lists, stacks, queues, and trees. Choosing the appropriate data structure for your program can make it more efficient and easier to manage.

Pseudo Selectors (pseudo-classes & pseudo-elements)
Pseudo selectors in CSS are used to select and style elements based on their state or structure in a document. Pseudo-classes target elements based on their state (e.g., :hover, :focus), while pseudo-elements target specific parts of an element (e.g., ::before, ::after).

Packages (npm)
Packages are reusable code libraries that can be easily integrated into your projects. The Node Package Manager (npm) is a popular package manager for JavaScript, making it easy to find, share, and reuse packages developed by others.

CLI, Terminal, CMD (command line)
The command line interface (CLI), also known as the terminal or command prompt (CMD), is a text-based interface for interacting with your computer. Instead of using a graphical interface, you type commands to perform tasks, such as creating directories, moving files, and running programs.

Bundler (webpack, vite)
A bundler is a tool that combines multiple files (JavaScript, CSS, images) into a single, optimized file. This process can improve performance by reducing the number of HTTP requests and minifying code. Popular bundlers include webpack and Vite.

Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
Containerization is a method for packaging and distributing software in lightweight, portable containers. Containers include everything needed to run the software, ensuring consistent performance across different environments. Docker and Kubernetes are popular tools for creating and managing containers.

Framework
A framework is a pre-built structure or template for developing applications. It provides a foundation and set of rules to streamline the development process, saving time and ensuring consistency across projects. Examples of popular frameworks include React, Vue, Svelte, and Angular.

API (Application Programming Interface)
An API is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate and share data. APIs make it easier to integrate third-party services and data into your applications, such as using Google Maps or accessing social media platforms.

GIT (version control)
Git is a widely-used version control system for tracking changes in your code and collaborating with other developers. It helps you manage different versions of your code, allowing you to revert to previous versions, compare changes, and merge updates from multiple contributors.

Objects
In object-orientedprogramming, objects are instances of a class that represent real-world entities. Objects have properties (attributes) and methods (functions) that define their behavior and characteristics. Using objects can make your code more modular, maintainable, and easier to understand.

Syntax
Syntax refers to the set of rules and structure that dictate how to write code in a specific programming language. Each language has its syntax, which you need to follow to write valid and executable code. Familiarizing yourself with the syntax of a language is a crucial step in learning to program.

In Conclusion

As a junior developer, understanding these terms will help you navigate the world of programming more efficiently. However, remember that it's crucial to focus on learning new jargon only when it becomes relevant to your work. By doing so, you'll be able to grow your knowledge base gradually and effectively.