Terminology
Table of Contents
The ultimate guide to website design and development terminologies.
In the realm of website design and development, understanding key terminologies is crucial for effective communication and collaboration. Whether you're a front-end, back-end, or full-stack developer, or even a client looking to get a website developed, having a grasp of these terms will enhance your ability to navigate the digital landscape. This comprehensive guide takes you through essential terms from A to Z, providing clear definitions and explanations to bolster your web vocabulary.
Website design and development encompass a wide range of disciplines and processes, from visual aesthetics and user experience to server-side programming and database management. Each of these areas has its own set of terminologies that can be quite technical. For example, front-end development focuses on the user-facing part of websites, involving languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create interactive and visually appealing interfaces. Back-end development, on the other hand, involves server-side logic, databases, and APIs, typically using languages like Python, Ruby, PHP, and frameworks such as Node.js or Django.
Understanding these terminologies is not only beneficial for developers but also for designers who need to communicate their visions clearly, project managers who must coordinate various aspects of web projects and clients who need to articulate their requirements and understand the progress of their projects. Knowing terms like ‘responsive design’, which ensures a website looks good on all devices, or ‘SEO’ (Search Engine Optimisation), which improves a site's visibility on search engines, can significantly impact the success of a website.
Moreover, the rapid evolution of technology means that new terms and concepts frequently emerge. Staying updated with the latest terminologies ensures that you remain relevant in the industry and can leverage new technologies and methodologies effectively. This guide serves as a comprehensive resource to help you familiarise yourself with these critical terms, enabling you to enhance your skills and improve your professional communication.
A to Z of website design and development terminologies.
Accessibility:
Accessibility refers to the practice of making websites usable by people of all abilities and disabilities. This includes ensuring that websites are navigable and understandable for visually impaired users, those with physical handicaps, and users with older or less common devices and software.
Address Bar:
The address bar is the input field at the top of a web browser where users type in URLs to visit specific websites. It typically begins with "http://" or "https://".
Anchor Text:
Anchor text is the clickable text in a hyperlink. It is crucial for SEO as it provides context to search engines about the linked page.
Backlinks:
Backlinks are incoming links from other websites to your site. They are important for SEO because they signal to search engines that your site is a reputable source of information.
Bandwidth:
Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted in a fixed amount of time. Higher bandwidth allows more data to be transferred, which is essential for handling high traffic on a website.
Banner Adverts (Ads):
Banner adverts are small rectangular advertisements displayed on web pages. They are designed to attract traffic to the advertiser's website.
Beta:
Beta is a phase in software development where the product is released to a limited audience for testing purposes. Users can expect some bugs and issues during this phase.
Blog:
A blog is an online journal or informational website displaying information in reverse chronological order, with the latest posts appearing first. Blogs are a popular way to share thoughts and information and are also effective marketing tools.
Bounce:
When an email fails to deliver to the intended recipient and returns to the sender, it is said to have bounced. This can occur due to incorrect email addresses or server issues.
Bounce Rate:
Bounce rate is the percentage of visitors who leave a website after viewing only one page. A high bounce rate can indicate that a site's content or navigation needs improvement.
Branding:
Branding encompasses all the actions, communications, and products that shape the perception of a business or organization.
Browser:
A browser is software that allows users to access and navigate the internet. Popular browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari.
Cache:
Cache is a storage area on a computer or device where frequently accessed data is kept for quick access. This speeds up the loading process for web pages and applications.
Call to Action (CTA):
A call to action (CTA) is a prompt on a website that encourages users to take a specific action, such as "Sign Up," "Buy Now," or "Learn More."
Carousel/Slider:
A carousel or slider is an image slideshow added to a web page. It allows multiple images or content to be displayed in a single space, often with automatic transitions.
CMS (Content Management System):
A content management system (CMS) is software that allows users to create, edit, and manage website content without needing to know how to code. Examples include WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.
Code:
Code refers to the set of instructions written in programming languages that make up a website or application. Different types of code (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) are used for various aspects of web development.
Comp/Mock-Up:
A comp or mock-up is a visual representation of a website design, often used to present the design concept to clients before actual development begins.
Cookie:
A cookie is a small piece of data stored on a user's computer by a web browser while browsing a website. Cookies are used for various purposes, such as keeping track of user preferences or session information.
CPC - Cost per Click:
Cost per click (CPC) is an online advertising model where advertisers pay each time a user clicks on one of their ads.
CPM - Cost per Thousand:
Cost per thousand (CPM) is a pricing model in online advertising where advertisers pay for every thousand impressions (views) of their ad.
CPV - Cost per View:
Cost per view (CPV) is a pricing model where advertisers pay for each view of their video ad.
CTR - Click-Through Rate:
Click-through rate (CTR) is the percentage of users who click on an ad or link compared to the total number of users who view the ad or link.
Database Driven:
A database-driven website uses a database to store and manage content dynamically, allowing for easy updates and scalability.
Directory (Search Engine):
A directory in the context of search engines is a categorised listing of websites. It helps users find information quickly by browsing through categorised links.
Display Advertising:
Display advertising involves creating visually appealing ads that can include text, images, and other elements to attract attention and drive traffic.
Display Type:
Display type refers to the use of large, eye-catching fonts and text styles designed to grab attention, such as in headlines and titles.
Domain:
A domain is a unique name that identifies a website on the internet. It is part of the URL and helps users find and access the website.
Domain Name:
A domain name is the human-readable address of a website, such as www.example.com, which is easier to remember than its numerical IP address.
Download:
Downloading is the process of transferring data from a remote server to a local device. Common downloads include documents, software, and media files.
Drop-Down:
A drop-down menu is a navigational element that displays a list of options when clicked. It helps organise and present multiple choices without cluttering the interface.
Earned Media:
Earned media refers to publicity gained through non-paid means, such as customer reviews, social media mentions, and news coverage.
Engagement:
In digital marketing, engagement refers to interactions that users have with content, such as likes, shares, comments, and clicks, which deepen their relationship with a brand.
Experience Design:
Experience design focuses on creating positive user experiences across all interactions with a product or service, emphasizing usability and satisfaction.
Flyout Navigation:
Flyout navigation is a type of menu that expands horizontally to reveal subcategories and links, often used for complex websites with many sections.
Fold:
The fold refers to the portion of a webpage that is visible without scrolling. Content above the fold is considered prime real estate for important information.
Font Family:
A font family is a group of related fonts that share a common design but differ in weight, style, and other attributes.
Functional Benefit:
The functional benefit is the practical advantage that a product or service provides to its users.
GIF:
A GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is a type of image file that supports both static and animated images. GIFs are popular for their ability to loop animations.
Graphic Elements:
Graphic elements are the visual components of a design, such as buttons, icons, logos, and illustrations, that enhance the user interface.
Hashtag:
A hashtag is a keyword or phrase preceded by the # symbol, used on social media platforms to categorize and search for content.
Hero:
A hero image is a large, prominent image on a webpage, often used as a banner or header to capture attention and convey a key message.
Hierarchy:
Hierarchy in design refers to the arrangement of elements in a way that signals their importance, guiding the user's attention through the content.
Host/Hosting:
Hosting refers to the service of providing storage space and access for websites on a server. A host is a company or service that offers these resources.
HTML - HyperText Markup Language:
HTML is the standard language used to create web pages. It structures content with elements like headings, paragraphs, and links.
HTTP - HyperText Transfer Protocol:
HTTP is the protocol used for transferring hypertext requests and information on the internet. It precedes the web address in a URL.
HTTPS - HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure:
HTTPS is an extension of HTTP that provides secure communication over a computer network, often used for protecting sensitive data.
Hyperlink:
A hyperlink is a clickable link that takes users from one web page to another, either within the same site or to a different site.
Hypertext:
Hypertext is text displayed on a computer or other electronic device with references (hyperlinks) to other text that the reader can immediately access.
IFrame:
An iframe (inline frame) is an HTML element used to embed another document within the current HTML document, allowing for the inclusion of external content like videos or interactive maps.
Influencer:
An influencer is an individual with the power to affect the purchasing decisions of others due to their authority, knowledge, position, or relationship with their audience.
Information Architecture:
Information architecture involves organising and structuring content on a website to ensure it is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
IP Address - Internet Protocol Address:
An IP address is a unique string of numbers separated by periods that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network.
JPG:
A JPG (or JPEG) is a commonly used file format for digital images, particularly for photographs. JPG files are known for their balance of compression and quality.
Keyword or Key Phrase:
Keywords or key phrases are terms used in online content to improve its visibility in search engine results. They are the words that users type into search engines when looking for information.
Landing Page:
A landing page is the first page a visitor sees when they arrive at a website, often designed to prompt a specific action, such as signing up for a newsletter or making a purchase.
Link:
A link, or hyperlink, is an element in a document that links to another place in the same document or to an entirely different document. Links are fundamental to web navigation.
Meta Data:
Meta data provides information about a web page but is not visible to users. It includes meta tags, which help search engines understand the content of the page.
Meta Tag:
A meta tag is an HTML tag used to provide meta data about a web page, such as its description, keywords, and author. These tags help search engines index the page correctly.
Motion Graphics:
Motion graphics are animations that create the illusion of motion or transformation, often used in multimedia projects, video productions, and interactive content.
Navigation:
Navigation refers to the system that allows users to move through a website. It includes menus, links, breadcrumbs, and other elements that facilitate site exploration.
Organic Search Results:
Organic search results are listings on search engine results pages that appear because of their relevance to the search terms, not because they were paid for.
Operating System:
An operating system (OS) is the software that manages a computer's hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs.
Optimisation:
Optimisation involves making adjustments to a website to improve its performance, speed, and efficiency. This can include optimizing images, code, and other elements.
Paid Media:
Paid media refers to advertising that is paid for, such as Google AdWords, social media ads, and display advertising. It contrasts with earned media, which is free publicity.
Pay Per Action (PPA):
Pay per action (PPA) is an advertising model where advertisers pay only when a specific action, such as a sale or sign-up, is completed by the user.
Pay Per Click (PPC):
Pay per click (PPC) is an advertising model where advertisers pay each time a user clicks on their ad. This model is commonly used in search engine and social media advertising.
Permalink:
A permalink is a permanent URL that leads directly to a specific blog post or web page, making it easy for users to bookmark and share.
Plug-In:
A plug-in is a piece of software that adds specific features or functionalities to an existing program, such as a website or browser.
Programmatic Buying:
Programmatic buying is the automated purchasing of digital advertising space, using algorithms to target specific audiences based on data.
Ranking:
Ranking refers to the position of a website in search engine results pages (SERPs). Higher rankings are associated with greater visibility and traffic.
Really Simple Syndication (RSS):
RSS is a web feed that allows users and applications to receive regular updates from a website or blog. It is often used for news sites and blogs to deliver content to subscribers.
Reciprocal Links:
Reciprocal links are mutual links between two websites, where each site links to the other. This can help improve SEO and drive traffic between the sites.
Rollover:
A rollover effect occurs when a user moves their mouse over a specific element on a web page, causing it to change appearance, such as changing colour or displaying an image.
Search Engine:
A search engine is a program that indexes and retrieves information on the internet. Popular search engines include Google, Bing, and Yahoo.
Search Engine Friendly:
A search engine-friendly website is optimised in a way that makes it easy for search engines to read and index its content.
Search Engine Listing:
A search engine listing is an entry on a search engine results page. It includes a link to a website along with a brief description.
Search Engine Ranking:
Search engine ranking refers to the position at which a particular website appears in the search engine results pages for a given query.
Search Result:
A search result is an entry returned by a search engine in response to a user's query. It includes links to relevant web pages.
SEO - Search Engine Optimisation:
SEO is the practice of optimising a website to improve its visibility and ranking in search engine results pages, thereby driving organic traffic.
Server:
A server is a powerful computer that hosts websites, stores web pages and serves them to users upon request. It provides the physical storage and access needed for web hosting.
Sitemap:
A sitemap is a file or page that lists all the pages on a website. It helps search engines index the site and aids users in finding the content they are looking for.
Social Media:
Social media refers to platforms and websites that enable users to create, share, and engage with content and interact with each other. Examples include Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Social Media Marketing:
Social media marketing involves using social media platforms to promote a brand, engage with customers, and drive traffic to a website.
Social Network:
A social network is an online community where users connect, interact, and share content. Social networks facilitate communication and relationship building.
Storyboard:
A storyboard is a visual representation of a website's structure, outlining the layout and flow of its pages. It helps in planning and organizing the design process.
Style Guide:
A style guide is a document that outlines the design standards for a website, including colors, fonts, and branding elements, ensuring consistency across all pages.
Sub Page:
A sub page is any page on a website that is not the homepage. It typically falls under a main category in the site's navigation hierarchy.
Tag:
A tag is a piece of code used in HTML to define elements on a web page, such as <h1> for headings or <a> for links. Tags help structure content and define its appearance.
Typography:
Typography is the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and visually appealing. It involves the selection of typefaces, point sizes, line lengths, and spacing.
Serif Typeface:
A serif typeface features small decorative strokes, called serifs, at the ends of its letters. It is often used for formal and traditional designs.
Sans Serif Typeface:
A sans serif typeface lacks the decorative strokes of a serif font, giving it a clean, modern look. It is commonly used for digital and contemporary designs.
UI - User Interface:
The user interface (UI) is the space where interactions between humans and machines occur. It includes elements like screens, keyboards, and visual design components.
Upload:
Uploading is the process of transferring files from a local device to a remote server, making them accessible on the Internet. It is the opposite of downloading.
URL - Uniform Resource Locator:
A URL is the address of a web page, containing all the necessary information to locate the page on the internet. An example of a URL is https://www.example.com.
Usability:
Usability refers to how easy and intuitive it is for users to navigate and interact with a website. Good usability ensures a positive user experience.
UX - User Experience:
User experience (UX) encompasses all aspects of a user's interaction with a product, service, or website. It focuses on creating a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG):
The WCAG documents provide guidelines for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities, ensuring equal access and usability for all users.
Web Page or Page:
A web page is a single document on the internet, which can be part of a larger website. It is identified by a unique URL and can contain text, images, and other multimedia content.
Website:
A website is a collection of web pages and related content identified by a common domain name and published on at least one web server. Websites serve various purposes, from information sharing to e-commerce.
Website Address:
A website address is the URL where a website can be accessed. It typically starts with "www" and includes the domain name.
White Space:
White space, also known as negative space, refers to the areas of a design that are left empty. It helps to create a clean, uncluttered look and improves readability.
Wireframe:
A wireframe is a visual guide that represents the skeletal framework of a website. It outlines the layout and arrangement of elements without detailed design.
WWW - World Wide Web:
The World Wide Web (WWW) is an information system on the Internet that allows documents to be connected through hyperlinks, enabling users to navigate from one document to another.
Embracing industry-standard terms.
Understanding these terminologies is essential for anyone involved in website design and development. Whether you're a developer, designer, marketer, or client, these terms will help you communicate effectively and navigate the digital landscape with confidence. By familiarising yourself with these concepts, you'll be better equipped to create, manage, and optimise websites that meet your goals and deliver a great user experience.
In-depth knowledge of website design and development terminologies allows you to bridge the gap between different roles within a project. For instance, when developers understand design principles such as ‘white space’ and ‘typography’, they can better implement a designer's vision. Similarly, when designers grasp technical terms like ‘API’ and ‘database-driven’, they can design more feasible and scalable solutions. Marketers, armed with an understanding of terms like ‘CPC’, ‘CTR’, and ‘bounce rate’, can better strategise their campaigns and improve website traffic and engagement.
Furthermore, clients who are well-versed in these terminologies can more accurately convey their expectations and provide more constructive feedback. This mutual understanding leads to more efficient workflows, fewer misunderstandings, and ultimately, a more successful project outcome.
Staying informed about the latest terminologies also empowers you to adopt best practices and innovative solutions. Whether it's implementing ‘progressive web apps’ (PWAs) that offer a native app-like experience on the web or using ‘headless CMS’ to separate content management from presentation layers, being familiar with cutting-edge concepts keeps you ahead of the curve.
By leveraging the knowledge gained from this guide, you'll be able to create more effective, user-friendly, and high-performing websites. This not only enhances your professional reputation but also contributes to the overall success of your projects, ensuring that they meet the needs of users and achieve their intended goals. Understanding these terminologies is a foundational step towards mastering the art and science of website design and development, leading to better collaboration, innovation, and results in the digital world.
