Good to Know

Listed below are just a few of the definitions you are likely to encounter when researching, planning, executing, or creating a website. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it does cover more than just the basics.

bookmark

To bookmark a web page means to record that particular address in your browser for future use. The browser will pull the identifying icon and the page title from the web page automatically, though the user can change at their discretion.

blog

A regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style. Typically associated with a Content Management System such as WordPress that allows the owner to login via a web-based interface to manage and compose postings.

browser

A program with a graphical user interface for displaying HTML and associated web files like graphics to a computer or phone screen. Browsers are the tools with which we navigate the World Wide Web.

Canonical URL

A canonical URL is the preferred, master version of a web page. It tells search engines which URL should be indexed and ranked, preventing duplicate content issues and consolidating SEO ranking signals.

cloud computing

Cloud computing is a metaphor for storing and accessing data and programs over the Internet instead of your computer's hard drive. "The cloud" is the Internet. It is also referred to as cloud storage.

CMS

The acronym stands for Content Management System, and refers to a software suite used to create and manage documents and websites. The software is installed on a web server and accessed via a login web page. The most popular open source CMS platform is WordPress , with 60% market share of Content Management Systems. Shopify and Wix follow.

cookie

A small text file created by a website that is stored on the user's computer temporarily or permanently. Cookies allow websites to recognize users and track preferences, but may also pose security risks.

First-party cookies are created by the website you visit and are necessary for the current session. Third-party cookies are created by external sites (e.g., advertisers) to track preferences.

CSS

Cascading Style Sheets control the appearance of web pages, including fonts, colors, and spacing. Style sheets separate page content from page presentation and allow a single stylesheet to control multiple pages for uniformity of design and ease of future updates.

CSS3

The third specification of CSS, offering more control over web page presentation.

dark web

Websites intentionally hidden and not accessible through standard browsers; often associated with illicit activity.

deep web

Content not indexed by search engines, including databases and private records.

DNS

An acronym for Domain Name System. This system converts domain names into numeric IP addresses so websites can be located.

firewall

A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on rules.

hosting server

Powerful computers that store websites and make them accessible online. Can be shared or dedicated. Necessary for every website on the internet

HTML

Hypertext Markup Language is the standard language used to create and structure the content of web pages. For example, the following HTML yields a bullet list:


                <ul>

                  <li>first list item</li>

                  <li>second list item</li>

                  <li>third list item</li>

                </ul>

produces

first list item
second list item
third list item

HTML5

The current standard of HTML, designed to improve compatibility and support multimedia, especially on mobile devices.

IP Address

A unique numerical identifier assigned to devices on a network.

ISP

Internet Service Provider: a company that supplies internet access.

JavaScript

JavaScript (JS) is a programming language used to create interactive effects on web pages.

keyword

The primary word or phrase targeted for SEO on a web page.

keyword meta tag

An outdated meta tag once used to list keywords for search engines. This meta tag is deprecated and no longer used, as search engines no longer look for it.

long-tail keywords

Long-tail keywords are highly specific, multi-word search phrases that users enter when looking for precise information. While they have lower search volume than broad terms, they offer higher conversion rates due to clear user intent.

metadata

Data about data—structured information that describes, explains, locates, or manages other information. It provides context, such as who created a file, when it was created, its format, and how it is structured. It enables efficient search, retrieval, management, and use of digital resources.

meta tag

HTML elements that provide metadata about a web page, often used by search engines.

phishing

A fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information by pretending to be a trustworthy source.

query

A request for information from a database, such as a search engine query.

responsive web design

A design approach that ensures websites adapt to different screen sizes and devices.

SEO

Search Engine Optimization: improving a website's visibility in search engine results.

SERP

Search Engine Results Page displayed after a query.

server

A computer that processes requests and delivers data over a network.

sitemap

A page listing all sections of a website to aid navigation and SEO.

SSL

Secure Socket Layer: encrypts data between a web server and browser.

UI

stands for User Interface, which is the point of interaction between a person and a machine, digital device, app, or website. It includes all visual and interactive elements–like screens, buttons, icons, and menus–designed to make interacting with technology intuitive, efficient, and visually appealing.

URL

Uniform Resource Locator. The web address of a resource.

UX

User Experience refers to the overall, subjective experience a person has when interacting with a product, system, or service. It focuses on aspects like ease of use, design, and functionality, rather than just aesthetics. Crucial for websites.

WCAG

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are international standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to ensure digital content is accessible to people with disabilities.

W3C

the World Wide Web Consortium . The organization that develops international standards and guidelines for the web based on the principles of accessibility, internationalization, privacy and security.

WHOIS

a widely used public database that provides information about registered domain names, IP address allocations, and their owners. It enables users to identify domain holders, registrars, creation/expiration dates, and contact details, often used to identify domain name ownership.

WordPress

A popular content management system used to build websites. WordPress has 60% market share of Content Management Systems.

WWW

The World Wide Web. A system of interlinked pages accessed via the Internet.

XML

Extensible Markup Language is a flexible, text-based markup language designed to structure, store, and transport data by using custom tags. Unlike HTML, which focuses on displaying data, XML focuses on defining what data is.

XML sitemap

A machine-readable sitemap file that complies all the pages of a site to help search engines index a website.