The rise of technologies requires non-tech people to update their technology vocabulary to apply and understand them effectively.

However, technology is a field that uses many technical terms and idioms related to technology that might be challenging to understand. Thus, this article will help you unlock jargon and complicated words you may encounter in your work.

List of 30 common technology vocabulary

1. UI (User Interface)

As one of the most common technology vocabulary you will come across, the user interface (UI) refers to the visual components and design of a website or application that users engage with.

Example: Many users like how easy and nice the UI looks and works.

2. UX (User Experience)

User experience (UX) is another popular technology vocabulary that refers to how users interact with a product, system or service and how it affects users.

Example: The game has great UX because it is fun and simple to play.

3. URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

URL is so common that even if you are not working in the technology industry, you still often come across this technology vocabulary. Specifically, a URL can be considered a web address, such as “https://elsaspeak.com/”.

Example: She shared the URL of her favourite TV show with her friends.

4. HTTP (The Hypertext Transfer Protocol) 

Hypertext Transport Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is used to load webpages using hypertext links.

Example: When you type a web address, it often starts with HTTP.

5. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is the standard markup language for creating Web pages.

Example: In computer class, we learned how to write HTML to make our own simple websites.

6. Bootstrap

Bootstrap is a popular framework to build responsive and visually appealing websites and web applications.

Example: Using Bootstrap saves time because you don’t have to write as much code.

7. API (Application Programming Interface)

If you are a salesperson at a B2B tech company, you must have seen this word quite a few times. An API (Application Programming Interface) is a software interface that connects an application with other applications and services.

Example: Developers use APIs to add app features, like maps or social media sharing.

6. Browser 

The program you use to access the Web. For example, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari.

Example: Google Chrome is my favourite browser because it is fast and easy to use.

7. Cache

As a widely used term in tech, cache is a temporary data storage that improves website speed by storing essential data on your computer during your first visit.

Example: Your computer uses a cache to load websites faster by remembering parts of them.

8. Cookies

Cookies are small files of information that an Internet server generates and sends to a web browser. 

Example: Cookies help advertisers show ads for products you might like based on browsing history.

9. Polymorphism 

Polymorphism means having many different forms. In object-oriented form, polymorphism refers to one interface with multiple functions. 

Example: Polymorphism allows different types of players, like a Warrior or a Mage, to use the same actions like “attack” but perform them differently.

10. Clickjacking

If you have to work closely with developers in the company, you may have heard them use this technology vocabulary. Clickjacking is a technique where the attacker deceives users into believing they are clicking on one element while actually clicking on something else.

Example: If a website looks normal but secretly makes you click on ads or links, that’s clickjacking.

11. Debugging 

Debugging is one of the most common technology vocabulary. It refers to the process of identifying the root causes of bugs and determining potential solutions.

Example: If your app crashes, debugging helps you find out why and fix the problem.

12. Sitemap

A document used by search engine bots to find all the pages on your site.

Example: Web designers create a sitemap to organize the website’s content before building it.

13. Grid system

A grid system in front-end development is a structure that divides a web page into columns and rows, providing a framework for organizing content and achieving consistent layouts.

Example: With a grid system, you can align content easily, making the page look clean and structured.

14. Transpiling 

Transpiling is converting code written in one version of JavaScript to another to ensure compatibility with older browsers.

Example: By transpiling, you can keep your source code in a modern, easy-to-read language while making sure it runs in older environments.

15. Deployment

A widely-used technology word that non-tech people should know is deployment. Deployment is a combination of all of the activities that make a software system available for use.

Example: When a new website is ready, deployment involves uploading it to the web so everyone can visit it.

16. Domain

The address for a website is entered into the browser.

Example: ELSA’s domain is elsaspeak.com.

17. Prototype

Some non-tech people will find this technology vocabulary confusing, but the definition of this word is quite easy to understand. A prototype is a simple working version of the software. 

Example: When creating a new app, developers build a prototype to test its features before the final version.

18. MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is the most basic version that can be released.

Example: A startup might release an MVP to get user feedback and improve the product based on their input.

19. Widget

A widget is a relatively simple and easy-to-use software application or component for one or more different software platforms.

Example: The blog has a widget in the sidebar that displays recent posts.

20. Plugin

Plugin is a technology vocabulary widely used by both designers and developers. Plugins are modules or software that can be added to a system for added functionality or features, improving both UX and UI.

Example: You can customize your program with plugins to improve its functionality.

21. Wireframe

A wireframe is the bare-bones structure of a website. This layout is the first step to ensuring the foundation is sound before adding content.

Example: Wireframes are useful for getting everyone on the team to agree on the basic design before moving forward.

22. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)

A Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a standard protocol that creates a secure, protected connection between a website and your browser. SSL guarantees that any data transferred between the server and browser is secure.

Example: SSL is important for online shopping sites to keep your payment information safe.

23. Bandwidth

Bandwidth is a measure of the amount of information that can be transmitted through a data connection in a given amount of time.

Example: If you have high bandwidth, your internet connection can quickly load videos and web pages.

24. Git

Git is a technology vocabulary frequently used by developers, but many non-tech people do not know. Git is a system for programmers to manage code content and other versions. 

Example: When working with a team, Git helps everyone organise their work.

25. Syntax

Syntax is the most commonly encountered technology vocabulary if you learn about coding. Syntax refers to the structure or grammar of a statement in a given language. 

Example: In Python, the syntax for printing something on the screen is print(‘Hello, world!’).

26. Algorithm

An algorithm is a set of instructions used to automate tasks.

Example: A sorting algorithm arranges a list of numbers or words in order, like putting books on a shelf from A to Z.

27. IA (Information Architecture)

Information Architecture refers to the practice of organizing data in a way that helps users find content quickly and easily.

Example: Good information architecture (IA) makes navigating a website easy and finding the information you need.

28. Hosting

Hosting is the provision of a server or network infrastructure to store and manage web pages.

Example: To set up a website, you must choose a domain name and a hosting service.

29. Minification

Minification is the process of reducing the size and complexity of a website’s code to improve its performance.

Example: Minification removes extra spaces and lines in the code, making it more compact.

30. Staging Environment

A staging environment is an area that replicates a live website, allowing developers to test changes without affecting the actual site or pushing the site live before it is ready.

Example: Before updating the website, we tested the new features in the staging environment to make sure everything worked correctly.

The beginning of your journey in the tech world

Understanding the common technology vocabulary is important for non-tech people navigating the increasingly digital world. By understanding these key terms, you can improve your ability to communicate effectively with tech professionals and better understand the tools and systems that play a significant role in personal and professional settings. 

Learn more about technical terms and idioms related to technology here!