1. Fundamental Concepts
Algorithm
A step-by-step set of instructions or rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer.
Variable
A symbolic name that is a reference or pointer to an object or a value. It's a way to store information that can be used and changed throughout a program.
Data Type
A classification that specifies which type of value a variable has and what type of mathematical, relational, or logical operations can be applied to it without causing an error. (e.g., Integer, String, Boolean).
Syntax
The set of rules that defines the combinations of symbols that are considered to be correctly structured statements or expressions in a programming language.
Compiler
A special program that processes statements written in a particular programming language and turns them into machine language or "code" that a computer's processor uses. It translates the entire program at once.
Interpreter
A program that directly executes instructions written in a programming language, without previously compiling them into a machine language program. It translates one statement at a time.
Bug & Debugging
A Bug is an error or flaw in a program. Debugging is the process of finding and fixing these bugs.
2. Paradigms & Languages
Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
A paradigm based on "objects," which can contain data and code. Key concepts include Inheritance, Encapsulation, and Polymorphism.
Functional Programming (FP)
A paradigm that treats computation as the evaluation of mathematical functions and avoids changing-state and mutable data.
High-Level Language
A programming language with strong abstraction from the details of the computer. It's closer to human language (e.g., Python, JavaScript).
Low-Level Language
A programming language that provides little abstraction from a computer's instruction set. It's closer to machine code (e.g., Assembly).
3. Web Development
Frontend
The part of a website the user interacts with directly. Also known as client-side. Involves HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Backend
The server-side of an application. It manages the database, server logic, and application integration.
HTTP/HTTPS
HyperText Transfer Protocol (Secure). The protocol used for transmitting web pages over the Internet. HTTPS is the encrypted, secure version.
API
Application Programming Interface. A set of rules allowing different software applications to communicate with each other.
JSON
JavaScript Object Notation. A lightweight data-interchange format that is easy for humans to read and for machines to parse.
4. Databases
Database
An organized collection of structured information, or data, typically stored electronically in a computer system.
SQL
Structured Query Language. The standard language for managing and manipulating relational databases.
NoSQL
A database that provides a mechanism for storage and retrieval of data that is modeled in means other than tables, like key-value or document.
CRUD
Create, Read, Update, Delete. The four basic operations of persistent storage in a database.
5. Tools & Infrastructure
Git
A distributed version control system for tracking changes in source code during software development.
Terminal / CLI
Command-Line Interface. A text-based interface used for running programs and managing files.
IDE
Integrated Development Environment. A software suite that consolidates basic tools for software development (e.g., VS Code, IntelliJ).
Docker
A platform for developing, shipping, and running applications in containers. Containerization packages an app with its dependencies.
6. Methodologies
Agile
An iterative approach to project management and software development that helps teams deliver value to their customers faster.
DevOps
A set of practices that combines software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) to shorten the development life cycle.
CI/CD
Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery. A practice where code changes are automatically built, tested, and prepared for release.