Websites have a vocabulary that’s unfamiliar to many.
Don’t stay confused!
Read on to define some common website designers’ vocabulary!
301 redirect
A 301 redirect is an HTTP status code that signals a permanent move of a web page from its old URL to a new one. It automatically sends users and search engines to the new URL, ensuring that the old page’s SEO rankings are transferred to the new website page. 301 redirects are crucial for maintaining a website’s search visibility, especially when reorganizing a site, changing domains, or replacing pages.
404 Error
A 404 error happens when a URL for a page no longer exists.
Address Bar
The address bar is the area in your browser where you type the website’s address (URL) you want to visit.
Above the Fold
Above the fold refers to content that loads before scrolling when you first visit a website. Above-the-fold content is the most essential information. Using this space for your most important information helps to ensure the user gets a good first impression.
API
An API, or Application Programming Interface, is a set of code that allows a third-party server to “talk” to another server to add functionality to a website.
Alt Text
Alt text is the descriptive text for a photo or graphic image that you see when you roll over an image on a webpage or if an image doesn’t load. Alt text is used in search engine optimization (SEO) to improve the search engines’ indexing/understanding of the image. It’s also used for screen readers for the visually impaired.
Backlinks
A backlink is when another website links to you. When another site links to your website, typically in an article, this is called a backlink. The more links your site has from other websites, the more authority your own website has, as seen by search engines.
Below the Fold
Below the fold means the content you see as you scroll.
Blog
A blog, or web log, is a post to help educate website visitors about your services and provide informative insights.
Browser
A browser is a service used to access website pages. Google Chrome, Internet Explorer (IE), Firefox, and Safari are browsers.
Caching
Caching is the process of storing copies of data in a temporary storage location. known as the cache, to allow for faster future access. Caching improves performance, and decreases the load on original data sources like databases or servers.
Call to action (CTA)
When you see “Click here” or “Buy now”, “Add to cart”, you’re seeing a call to action, or CTA. All of these work to make the viewer take some sort of action on a website.
Cookies
Cookies are small bits of data that allow your browser to store and retrieve information. Typically, it appears when your browser asks whether you would like to “Auto Fill”. Many people rely on cookies to remember passwords and login details.
CSS
CSS, or “Cascading Style Sheets,” defines elements such as font size, style, and color, as well as animations and the layout of your web pages. CSS is a front-end language
Database
A database is an organized collection of structured information, or data, designed for efficient retrieval. Databases are used to store and manage data across a wide variety of applications, including websites, mobile apps, banking systems, and inventory tracking.
E-Commerce
E-Commerce or Electronic Commerce, refers to business and transactions carried out over the internet.
DNS
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It was created to help access websites using names rather than a series of numbers. A browser accesses data from your server using its unique identifier, also known as an IP Address.
Dropdown
Dropdowns are often used in navigation menus to show sub-items of a menu item. Dropdowns help organize your website information.
Favicon
A favicon is the image/icon that appears in your browser history tab. It helps you see the pages you’ve recently viewed. Websites that include a favicon tend to look more professional.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
FTPs allow you to transfer files to your website via the internet. An FTP is like transferring a file from your desktop to your pictures folder, except that when you transfer it to your website, you make it accessible so visitors can access it using the correct path.
Google Analytics
Google Analytics collects data from users on your website. By analyzing analytics, you can see whether your target audience is visiting the site and how they respond to content.
Hero Header
A hero header is a large header occupying most of the screen above the fold. Hero headers can be static, animated, or videos.
Hover State
A hover state allows users to interact with a website element, such as a website button that requires user interaction. A hover state can grow, change color, or bounce.
Hosting Service
A hosting service is a data storage center. You pay to store your website’s space on a server. Hosting services maintain your data and ensure it is as secure as possible.
HTML
HTML stands for “Hypertext Markup Language”, the language used by web browsers to render the information on the page.
HTTPS/HTTP
HTTPS/HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. The “S” in HTTPS stands for secure, meaning the data is encrypted, making a website with an HTTPS connection protected and harder for hackers to access.
Hyperlink
A hyperlink is a link within text linking to another resource. The link could be a webpage, an image, or an email address.
JavaScript (JS)
JavaScript is a programming language used by website developers to create interactive elements on a website. It instructs your website to perform an action in response to a user action, such as scrolling, clicking, or submitting a form.
Navigation
A website navigation is the list of links. Website navigation helps users move from one page to the next. Navigation is an essential part of any website design and development.
PHP
PHP stands for PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor. PHP is a widely-used, open-source scripting language designed for server-side web development. PHP allows web developers to create dynamic content and interact with databases.
Pixel
A Pixel, or Picture Element, is a tiny area on a screen assigned a color. Millions of these pixels will make up a picture: the smaller the pixel, the higher the pixel density, and the better the image quality.
Plugin
A plugin will typically be used in website development to enhance functionality. Using plugins saves time by allowing your developer to avoid rewriting code that is already available.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
SEO is the optimisation of a website’s text and images so search engines can easily find, index, and rank it.
Screen Resolution
Screen resolution is the number of pixels per inch (PPI) on your screen. Large screens need a higher pixel density to display crisp images. Small screens with a higher pixel density appear clearer than those with a lower one.
SSL Certificate
SSL, or secure sockets layer, is a protocol that encrypts all information sent between a server and a browser. SSL certificates are essential for websites that handle personal information and credit card data.
Server
Servers are the physical servers that host your website’s files and data. A server is a storage system that can be accessed remotely via the internet.
Tap to Call
Tap to call is a user experience feature that lets users contact you directly from their phone with a single tap, typically on your phone.
Tooltip
Tooltips provide users with additional information. Usually, tooltips are shown as question marks within a circle. When moused over or rolled over, they display additional information or a definition of the word/sentence they are next to.
User Experience (UX)
User experience, or UX, is how a user feels when using your website, including whether it’s easy to use and intuitive.
User Interface (UI)
User interface – also known as the graphical user interface (GUI)refers to how the interactive elements of a website or application appear. This could be how the buttons look, what keyboards look like, and how a form looks.
URL
A URL or “Uniform Resource Locator” is your way of telling a browser which file you would like to visit on a server.
Whitespace
Whitespace is literally white space. All websites need a balance between information and space so the viewer can focus without being overwhelmed.
Widget
A widget is a computer program that allows website designers/developers to add various types of functionality to a website.
