Engineering Glossary

From fundamental principles to cutting-edge practices, this glossary covers the full spectrum of software engineering terminology.

DevOps

Browse glossary

Cloud Computing

Browse glossary

Git

Browse glossary

Containerization & Orchestration

Browse glossary

YAML (Yet Another Markup Language)

Human-readable data serialization standard that can be used in conjunction with all programming languages.

DevOps

YAML Sprawl

Proliferation of YAML configuration files, often leading to maintenance and consistency challenges.

DevOps

Yak Shaving

Seemingly useless activity which, by allowing you to overcome intermediate difficulties, allows you to solve a larger problem.

DevOps

Yarn

Fast, reliable, and secure dependency management tool for Node.js, offering improved performance and additional features over NPM.

DevOps

Yocto

Open-source collaboration project that helps developers create custom Linux-based systems.

DevOps

Yoda Conditions

Programming style where the constant goes before the variable in a conditional statement.

DevOps

You Build it You Run it

DevOps principle where development teams are also responsible for supporting the software in production.

DevOps

Zabbix

Open-source software tool to monitor various IT components, including networks, servers, virtual machines, and cloud services.

DevOps

Zero Downtime Deployment

Deployment method that ensures the application remains available to users during the entire update process.

DevOps

Zero Nines

A measure of system availability where no uptime guarantee is provided. It indicates a service with no specified reliability commitments or expectations.

DevOps

Zero Trust

Security concept centered on the belief that organizations should not automatically trust anything inside or outside its perimeters.

DevOps

Zero-day Attack

Cyber attack exploiting a vulnerability that is unknown to the software vendor or to antivirus vendors.

DevOps

Zipkin

Distributed tracing system that helps gather timing data needed to troubleshoot latency problems in service architectures.

DevOps

Zookeeper

Centralized service for maintaining configuration information, naming, providing distributed synchronization, and providing group services.

DevOps

Zsh (Z Shell)

Extended version of the Bourne Shell with many improvements, including some features of Bash, ksh, and tcsh.

DevOps

iOS Deployment

Process of distributing iOS applications to Apple devices, often through the App Store or enterprise distribution methods.

DevOps

macOS

Apple's Unix-based operating system for Macintosh computers, known for its user-friendly interface and tight integration with Apple hardware.

DevOps

Pull/Pull Request

Alternative terms for the same concept of proposing and reviewing changes in Git-based collaboration.

Push

A Git command used to upload local repository changes to a remote repository, sharing updates with collaborators.

README

A file in a Git repository that provides information about the project, its purpose, and how to use or contribute to it.

Rebase

A Git operation that moves or combines a sequence of commits to a new base commit, often used to maintain a linear history.

Rebase Interactive

A Git rebase mode allowing users to modify, reorder, or squash commits before applying them to the target branch.

RefLog

A Git mechanism that records updates to branch tips and other references in a repository.

Refspec

A string that specifies the mapping between remote and local references when fetching or pushing in Git.

Release branching

A strategy where a separate branch is created for release preparation, allowing continued development on the main branch.

Remote

A Git repository hosted on a server, allowing collaboration and synchronization between multiple developers.

Repository

Centralized location where software packages or modules are stored and managed, facilitating version control and collaboration.

Repository ("Repo")

A data structure containing all the files, history, and metadata for a Git-managed project.

SCM

Source Control Management, a system for tracking and managing changes to code, of which Git is an example.

SHA-1

The cryptographic hash function used by Git to generate unique identifiers for objects in the repository.

SSH key

A secure authentication method using a pair of cryptographic keys for accessing remote systems or services.

Shallow Clone

A Git clone that only fetches a limited number of recent commits, reducing download size for large repositories.

Squash

The process of combining multiple commits into a single commit in Git, often used to simplify history.

Staging

The process of preparing changes to be committed in Git, also known as "adding to the index."

Stash

A Git feature for temporarily storing uncommitted changes, allowing you to switch branches without committing work in progress.

Stashing

A Git feature for temporarily saving uncommitted changes, allowing you to switch contexts without committing incomplete work.

Status

A Git command that shows the state of the working directory and staging area, indicating which files are modified or staged.

SubModule

A Git repository nested within another repository, allowing you to include external projects in your own project.

Tag

A named reference to a specific point in Git history, typically used to mark release points or important milestones.

Team plan

A subscription level for GitHub designed for collaborative groups or small organizations.

Upstream

The original repository from which a fork is created, or the branch that a local branch is tracking.

Upstream and Downstream

Terms describing the flow of changes in Git, with upstream being the source and downstream the destination.

Work in Progress (WIP) Commit

A temporary commit indicating unfinished work, often used to save progress or facilitate code reviews.

access token

A secure alternative to passwords, used for authentication in Git operations, providing limited access to specific resources or actions.

alternate object database

A secondary location where Git stores object files, useful for optimizing storage and performance in large repositories.

appliance

A dedicated hardware or virtual machine optimized for running Git services, often used in enterprise environments for improved performance.

assignee

The person responsible for addressing an issue or pull request in a Git repository, helping to organize and prioritize tasks.

authentication code

A temporary code used in two-factor authentication to verify a user's identity when accessing Git repositories or services.

base branch

The primary branch in a Git repository from which feature branches are created and into which they are merged after development.

basic authentication

A simple authentication method in Git using a username and password, often discouraged in favor of more secure methods.

billing cycle

The recurring period for which Git hosting services charge users or organizations for their subscriptions and usage.

billing email

The email address associated with a Git account or organization for receiving invoices and billing-related communications.

billing manager

A user role in Git hosting platforms responsible for managing billing information, subscriptions, and payments for an organization.

billing plan

A subscription package offered by Git hosting services, defining features, storage limits, and pricing for users or organizations.

bio

A brief description of a user's profile on Git platforms, typically including their role, interests, or expertise in software development.

blob object

A Git object type representing the contents of a file, stored as a sequence of bytes without any metadata or file attributes.

block

An action on Git platforms to restrict a user's ability to interact with a repository, often used to manage disruptive behavior.

branch restriction

A set of rules applied to Git branches to control who can push changes, merge, or perform certain actions, enhancing code quality.

cURL

A command-line tool often used with Git to transfer data and interact with APIs, supporting various protocols including HTTPS.

card

A visual representation of an issue or pull request in Git project management tools, used for organizing and prioritizing work.

chain

A series of connected commits in Git, representing a sequence of changes that build upon each other in a repository's history.

changeset

A group of changes made to files in a Git repository, typically represented by a commit and including additions, modifications, and deletions.

check

An automated test or verification process run on Git repositories to ensure code quality, security, or compliance with project standards.

child team

A nested team within a Git organization's hierarchy, inheriting permissions and access rights from its parent team.

clean

A Git command used to remove untracked files and directories from a working directory, helping to maintain a tidy repository.

clustering

A technique used in Git hosting services to distribute repository data across multiple servers for improved performance and reliability.

code frequency graph

A visual representation of code additions and deletions over time in a Git repository, useful for tracking project activity.

code of conduct

A document outlining expected behavior and guidelines for contributors in a Git repository, promoting a positive community.

code owner

A designated person or team responsible for reviewing and approving changes to specific files or directories in a Git repository.

collaborator

A user with read and write access to a Git repository, able to contribute code and participate in project discussions.

commit ID

A unique identifier (SHA-1 hash) assigned to each commit in Git, used to reference specific points in a repository's history.

commit author

The person who originally created a commit in Git, distinct from the committer who may have applied the changes on behalf of the author.

commit graph

A visual representation of the commit history in a Git repository, showing the relationships between different branches and merges.

commit graph concept, representations and usage

The underlying structure and visual representations of Git's commit history, used for understanding project evolution.

commit message

A descriptive text associated with a Git commit, explaining the purpose and details of the changes made in that commit.

commit object

A Git object type containing metadata about a commit, including the author, committer, date, and a pointer to the tree object.

commit-graph file

A file used by Git to store commit graph information, optimizing performance for operations that traverse the commit history.

commit-ish (also committish)

A term referring to any Git object that can be resolved to a commit, including commit IDs, branch names, and tags.

compare branch

A Git feature allowing users to view differences between two branches, often used before merging to review changes.

contribution graph

A visual representation of a user's Git activity over time, showing the frequency and distribution of their contributions to repositories.

contribution guidelines

A document in a Git repository outlining best practices, coding standards, and procedures for contributors to follow when submitting changes.

contributions

The collective changes, commits, issues, and pull requests made by a user to Git repositories, showcasing their involvement in projects.

contributor

Any person who has made contributions to a Git repository, whether through code, documentation, or other forms of project support.

contributors graph

A visual representation of all contributors to a Git repository, showing their relative contributions over time and by type.

core Git

The fundamental set of Git commands and functionality, excluding third-party extensions or hosting platform-specific features.

coupon

A promotional code offering discounts or credits for Git hosting services, often used to attract new users or upgrade existing accounts.

cron

A time-based job scheduler used in Git hosting platforms to automate tasks such as backups, notifications, or periodic code checks.

dangling object

A Git object not reachable from any reference (branch, tag, etc.), often created during rebasing or other history-altering operations.

dashboard

A central interface in Git platforms providing an overview of a user's repositories, activities, and notifications.

default branch

The primary branch in a Git repository, typically named "main" or "master," serving as the base for new branches and deployments.

dependency graph

A visual representation of a project's dependencies, showing relationships between different components or external libraries.

dependents graph

A visualization of other projects or repositories that depend on a given Git repository, useful for understanding its impact.

deploy key

An SSH key granting read-only access to a specific Git repository, commonly used for automated deployments or CI/CD processes.

dereference

The process of resolving a Git reference (like a branch or tag) to its corresponding commit object or SHA-1 hash.

detached HEAD

A state in Git where the HEAD pointer references a specific commit rather than a branch, often used for temporary work.

diagnostics

Tools and features in Git used to identify and troubleshoot issues with repositories, commits, or configuration settings.

dirty

A term describing a Git working directory that contains uncommitted changes, indicating modifications that haven't been saved to the repository.

email notifications

Alerts sent via email by Git platforms to inform users about repository activities, mentions, or updates.

enterprise account

A high-tier account type offered by Git hosting services, providing advanced features and support for large organizations.

evil merge

A problematic merge in Git where conflicts are resolved incorrectly, potentially introducing subtle bugs or inconsistencies.

fast-forward

A type of Git merge where the target branch's pointer is simply moved to the latest commit of the source branch, without creating a new commit.

feature branch

A temporary branch in Git created to develop a specific feature or fix, typically merged back into the main branch upon completion.

fenced code block

A markdown syntax used in Git documentation and comments to display formatted code snippets with syntax highlighting.

file system

The underlying structure used by Git to store repository data, including objects, refs, and configuration files.

following (users)

A feature in Git platforms allowing users to receive updates and notifications about other users' activities.

gitfile

A file containing a Git repository's object database, used in certain Git operations.

gitignore

A text file specifying intentionally untracked files that Git should ignore, customizable for different project types.

graft

A technique in Git to join two unrelated commit histories, typically used for repository repair or history modification.

hash

A unique identifier (SHA-1) for Git objects, used to ensure data integrity and create content-addressable storage.

head branch

The default branch that is checked out when a repository is cloned, typically 'main' or 'master'.

head ref

A reference to the tip of a branch, representing the most recent commit in that branch's history.

high-availability

A characteristic of Git hosting systems designed to ensure continuous operation and minimal downtime.

hook

A script that Git executes before or after events such as commit, push, and receive, used for automating or controlling Git processes.

hostname

The unique name assigned to a device on a network, used for identification and communication purposes.

identicon

A visual representation of a hash value, often used as a default avatar in Git platforms.

identity provider

A service that creates, maintains, and manages identity information for users, often integrated with Git platforms.

3D Stacked Memory for Cloud Servers

High-density memory architecture using vertically stacked chips, enhancing performance and capacity in cloud server hardware.

5G Cloud

Cloud infrastructure optimized for 5G networks, supporting high-speed, low-latency services and applications.

5G Network Slicing

Technique to create multiple virtual networks on a shared physical 5G infrastructure, each optimized for specific use cases.

5G and Edge Computing

Integration of 5G networks with edge computing to enable low-latency, high-bandwidth applications closer to end-users.

6G Cloud Integration

Future convergence of 6G networks with cloud computing, promising ultra-high speeds and advanced capabilities.

ACID Compliance

Database transaction properties (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) ensuring data integrity in cloud environments.

AI Ethics Compliance Tools

Software ensuring AI systems adhere to ethical guidelines and regulations in cloud deployments.

AI Ethics and Bias Detection Tools

Software for identifying and mitigating ethical issues and biases in AI models deployed in cloud environments.

AI Ethics and Governance Tools

Solutions for managing ethical considerations and regulatory compliance in cloud-based AI systems.

AI Governance Frameworks

Structured approaches for managing AI development, deployment, and use in cloud environments.

AI Model Governance Platforms

Comprehensive solutions for managing, monitoring, and controlling AI models in cloud-based systems.

AI Model Interpretability Services

Cloud-based tools for explaining and understanding the decision-making processes of AI models.

AI Model Interpretability Tools

Software for analyzing and explaining AI model decisions, crucial for transparency in cloud AI services.

AI Model Marketplaces

Cloud platforms for discovering, sharing, and monetizing pre-trained AI models and algorithms.

AI Model Monitoring and Drift Detection

Tools for tracking AI model performance and identifying deviations from expected behavior in cloud environments.

AI Model Versioning and Governance

Systems for managing different versions of AI models and enforcing governance policies in cloud deployments.

AI-Assisted Coding Platforms

Cloud-based development environments that use AI to assist programmers in writing and optimizing code.

AI-Augmented Analytics

Integration of AI capabilities into data analytics processes in cloud environments for enhanced insights.

AI-Driven Capacity Planning

Use of AI algorithms to predict and optimize resource allocation in cloud infrastructures.

AI-Driven Cloud Optimization

Application of AI techniques to improve efficiency, performance, and cost-effectiveness of cloud resources.

AI-Driven Cloud Resource Allocation

Automated distribution of cloud resources using AI to optimize performance and cost-efficiency.

AI-Driven Cloud Service Composition

AI-based automation of cloud service selection and integration for complex workflows.

AI-Driven Code Generation

Automated creation of source code using AI models, often integrated into cloud development platforms.

AI-Driven Data Classification

Automated categorization and labeling of data using AI algorithms in cloud storage and processing systems.

AI-Driven Network Optimization

Use of AI to improve network performance, efficiency, and security in cloud environments.

AI-Driven Resource Allocation

Intelligent distribution of computing resources in cloud environments using AI algorithms.

AI-Driven Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

Enhanced SIEM systems using AI for improved threat detection and response in cloud environments.

AI-Driven Threat Detection

Use of AI algorithms to identify and analyze potential security threats in cloud systems.

AI-Driven Threat Hunting

Proactive search for hidden threats in cloud environments using AI-powered analytics and automation.

AI-Optimized Cloud Hardware

Cloud infrastructure components designed or configured to enhance AI workload performance.

AI-Optimized Databases

Database systems tailored for AI workloads, often featuring in-memory processing and distributed architectures.

AI-Powered Anomaly Detection

Use of AI algorithms to identify unusual patterns or behaviors in cloud systems and data.

AI-Powered Integration

Intelligent automation of data and application integration processes in cloud environments using AI.

AI-as-a-Service

Cloud-based offering of AI capabilities, allowing businesses to leverage AI without extensive in-house expertise.

AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS)

Cloud-based AI capabilities offered as a service, enabling easy integration of AI into applications.

AIOps

Application of AI for automating and enhancing IT operations management in cloud environments.

AIOps Platforms

Integrated solutions leveraging AI for automated monitoring, analysis, and management of cloud IT operations.

AIOps for Predictive Maintenance

Use of AI-driven analytics to forecast and prevent system failures in cloud infrastructure.

API Security Gateway

Service that protects APIs in cloud environments by managing access, monitoring traffic, and preventing attacks.

API Security Gateways

Dedicated services for securing and managing APIs in cloud environments, including access control and threat protection.

API-First Development

Design approach prioritizing API creation before implementation, common in cloud-native application development.

API-Led Connectivity

Integration strategy using purpose-built APIs to connect data, devices, and applications in cloud ecosystems.

AR Cloud

Persistent 3D digital content overlaid on the physical world, accessible via cloud infrastructure for augmented reality applications.

AR/VR Analytics

Cloud-based tools for analyzing user behavior and performance in augmented and virtual reality environments.

AR/VR Collaboration Platforms

Cloud-hosted services enabling multi-user interaction in shared augmented or virtual reality spaces.

AR/VR Content Delivery Network

Specialized CDN optimized for delivering AR/VR content with low latency and high bandwidth.

AR/VR Development Platforms

Cloud-based tools and services for creating, testing, and deploying augmented and virtual reality applications.

ARM Templates (Azure)

JSON-based files defining infrastructure and configuration for Azure resource deployment.

Adaptive User Interfaces for Cloud Services

Dynamic UIs that adjust based on user behavior, device capabilities, and context in cloud applications.

Adversarial Machine Learning Detection

Techniques to identify and mitigate attacks on ML models in cloud-based AI systems.

Alerting and Notification

Systems for informing administrators or users about important events or issues in cloud environments.

Algorithmic Auditing

Process of examining AI algorithms for bias, errors, or unintended consequences in cloud-based systems.

Ambient Computing Interfaces for Cloud

Seamless, context-aware interaction methods for accessing cloud services in IoT environments.

Anomaly Detection Systems

Tools for identifying unusual patterns or behaviors in cloud systems, often using machine learning techniques.

Application-Aware Networking

Network management approach that optimizes performance based on specific application requirements in cloud environments.

Approximate Query Processing

Technique for quickly estimating query results in large-scale cloud databases, trading accuracy for speed.

Archive Storage (e.g., Amazon Glacier, Azure Archive Storage)

Low-cost cloud storage for infrequently accessed data with longer retrieval times, e.g., Amazon Glacier, Azure Archive Storage.

Artifact Repository

Cloud-based storage for software build outputs, dependencies, and related metadata.

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) as a Service

Hypothetical cloud offering of human-level AI capabilities across various domains.

Artificial General Intelligence Research Platforms

Cloud-based environments for developing and testing advanced AI systems approaching human-level intelligence.

Audit Logging

Systematic recording of actions and events in cloud systems for security and compliance purposes.

Audit Trails

Chronological records of system activities for reconstructing and examining the sequence of events in cloud environments.

Augmented Analytics

Integration of machine learning and natural language processing in cloud-based data analytics workflows.

Augmented Reality (AR) Cloud

Shared, persistent digital content overlaid on the physical world, accessible via cloud infrastructure.

Augmented Reality Cloud Interfaces

Cloud-based systems for managing and delivering AR content and experiences, enabling scalable AR applications.

Augmented Reality Cloud Rendering

Cloud-powered generation of AR graphics and content, offloading processing from end-user devices.

Auto Scaling Groups

Collections of EC2 instances that automatically adjust capacity based on defined conditions.

Auto-scaling

Automatic adjustment of cloud resources to match workload demands, ensuring optimal performance and cost-efficiency.

AutoML

Automated machine learning processes for model selection, hyperparameter tuning, and feature engineering in cloud environments.

AutoML in the Cloud

Cloud-based services automating the machine learning pipeline from data preparation to model deployment and monitoring.

Automated AI Pipeline Optimization

AI-driven tools for improving efficiency and performance of machine learning workflows in the cloud.

Automated Cloud Governance Enforcement

Systems that automatically implement and maintain cloud resource policies and compliance.

Automated Compliance Monitoring

Continuous, AI-driven assessment of cloud systems against regulatory and security standards.

Automated Data Discovery

AI-powered tools for identifying, categorizing, and mapping data assets in cloud environments.

Automated Data Governance

AI-driven systems for managing data quality, security, and compliance in cloud environments.

Automated Data Wrangling Services

Cloud-based tools using AI to clean, transform, and prepare data for analysis, streamlining data preparation processes.

Automated Feature Engineering

AI-powered generation and selection of features for machine learning models in cloud environments.

Automated Incident Response Orchestration

AI-driven coordination of security incident detection and resolution in cloud systems, automating response workflows.

Automated Machine Learning (AutoML)

Cloud services that automate the process of creating and optimizing machine learning models, from data prep to deployment.

Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) Platforms

Cloud-based systems that automate the end-to-end machine learning model development process, including feature engineering and model selection.

Automated Penetration Testing

AI-driven tools for simulating cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in cloud systems and applications.

Automated Threat Modeling

AI-powered analysis of cloud architectures to identify potential security risks and attack vectors.

Autonomous Systems in the Cloud

Self-managing, self-healing cloud services requiring minimal human intervention, leveraging AI for operations.

Azure Edge Zones

Ultra-low latency edge computing extensions of Azure for 5G networks, bringing cloud resources closer to users.

Azure Policy

Service for creating, assigning, and managing policies to control Azure resources and ensure compliance.

B2B Integration Platforms

Cloud-based services facilitating data exchange and process integration between business partners.

Backend for Frontend (BFF) Pattern

Architectural approach creating backend services tailored to specific frontend application needs in cloud environments.

Bare Metal Server

Physical server dedicated to a single tenant, offering direct hardware access in cloud environments.

Bare Metal Servers

Dedicated physical servers without virtualization, offered as a cloud service for high-performance workloads.

Batch Processing (e.g., AWS Batch, Azure Batch)

Execution of series of jobs without user interaction, often for large-scale data processing in the cloud (e.g., AWS Batch, Azure Batch).

Big Data Clusters

Distributed computing environments for processing and analyzing massive datasets in the cloud.

Billing Dashboard

Interface for monitoring and managing cloud service usage and costs, providing detailed breakdowns and forecasts.

Biocomputing in the Cloud

Use of cloud resources for computational biology and genomics research, enabling large-scale analysis and modeling.

Biodiversity Impact Assessment for Cloud Facilities

Evaluation of cloud data center effects on local ecosystems and wildlife to ensure sustainable operations.

Block Storage

Cloud storage that provides fixed-size raw storage volumes, typically used for databases or file systems.

Block Storage (e.g., Amazon EBS, Azure Disk Storage)

Cloud services providing persistent block-level storage volumes for use with compute instances.

Blockchain Analytics

Cloud-based tools for analyzing and visualizing blockchain data and transactions, offering insights into network activity.

Blockchain Databases

Distributed databases using blockchain technology for enhanced security and immutability in cloud environments.

Blockchain Governance Tools

Software for managing and enforcing rules, permissions, and consensus mechanisms in blockchain networks deployed on cloud platforms.

Blockchain Integration Services

Cloud-based solutions for connecting blockchain networks with existing enterprise systems and applications.

5G MEC Integration

Integration of 5G mobile edge computing with container platforms for low-latency applications and services at network edges.

AIOps for Container Environments

Application of AI and machine learning for automated operations, monitoring, and management of containerized environments.

API Deprecation Policy

Guidelines for phasing out older API versions in Kubernetes, ensuring smooth transitions for users.

API Extensions

Mechanisms to extend the Kubernetes API with custom resources and functionalities, enhancing platform capabilities.

API Gateway Pattern

Containerized service that acts as a single entry point for all client requests to a microservices architecture.

API Server

Core component of Kubernetes that exposes the cluster's API and handles all administrative operations.

API Server Aggregation

Kubernetes feature allowing the API server to be extended with additional APIs without modifying core Kubernetes code.

API-First Development

Approach prioritizing API design before implementation, crucial for developing scalable containerized microservices.

AWS Fargate

Serverless compute engine for containers, allowing you to run containers without managing the underlying infrastructure.

Adapter Pattern

Design pattern in containerized microservices that wraps a service's interface to make it compatible with other services.

Admission Controllers

Plugins that intercept requests to the Kubernetes API server before object persistence, enforcing policies or modifying objects.

Admission Controllers for Security

Admission controllers specifically focused on enforcing security policies and validating security-related configurations.

Admission Webhooks

HTTP callbacks that receive admission requests and can modify or validate objects before they are persisted.

Admission Webhooks in Operators

Use of admission webhooks within Kubernetes operators to enforce custom policies or modify resources.

Advanced Audit

Kubernetes feature providing detailed logging of all requests processed by the API server for security and compliance.

Aggregated API Servers

Extension of the Kubernetes API server to include custom resources and functionalities without modifying core Kubernetes.

Aggregated ClusterRoles

Combination of multiple ClusterRoles into a single role, simplifying RBAC management in Kubernetes.

Air-gapped Registries

Container registries isolated from public networks, used in secure or restricted environments.

Akri

Open-source project for exposing heterogeneous leaf devices as resources in Kubernetes clusters.

Alertmanager Configuration

Setup and management of Prometheus Alertmanager for handling alerts from monitoring systems.

Amazon Elastic Container Registry (ECR)

Fully managed Docker container registry provided by AWS for storing, managing, and deploying container images.

Ambassador Pattern

Microservices design pattern where a dedicated service acts as an API gateway for other services.

Ambient Mesh

Service mesh implementation that doesn't require sidecars, reducing resource overhead and simplifying deployment.

Anchore Engine for Image Scanning

Open-source tool for deep inspection of container images, including vulnerability scanning and policy enforcement.

Ansible-based Operators

Kubernetes operators implemented using Ansible for automating application lifecycle management.

Antrea Network Policies

Network policies specific to the Antrea CNI plugin, offering fine-grained control over pod-to-pod communication.

Antrea for Open vSwitch-based Networking

Kubernetes networking solution using Open vSwitch for improved performance and advanced networking features.

Apache OpenWhisk

Open-source serverless platform that executes functions in response to events or direct invocations.

AppArmor Profiles

Security profiles for Linux that restrict program capabilities, enhancing container isolation and security.

Application-level Logging

Logging implemented within applications, providing detailed insights into application behavior and performance.

Aqua Security

Platform providing security and compliance for container-based and cloud-native applications throughout their lifecycle.

Aqua Security Platform

Comprehensive security solution for containerized and cloud-native environments, offering vulnerability management and runtime protection.

Argo CD

GitOps continuous delivery tool for Kubernetes, automating application deployment and lifecycle management.

Argo Rollouts

Kubernetes controller for advanced deployment strategies like canary and blue-green deployments.

ArgoCD

Declarative GitOps tool for Kubernetes, automating application deployment and synchronization with Git repositories.

Artifact Management

Process of storing, organizing, and managing container images and related artifacts in container registries.

Athenz for Fine-grained Access Control

Open-source platform for fine-grained access control and authentication in distributed systems.

Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)

Access control paradigm where authorization decisions are based on attributes of users, resources, and environment.

Audit Annotations

Additional metadata added to Kubernetes audit events for enhanced context and analysis, improving audit trails.

Audit Backends

Components responsible for processing and storing Kubernetes audit logs, supporting various storage and analysis options.

Audit Events

Records of requests and activities within a Kubernetes cluster, used for security monitoring and compliance.

Audit Levels

Configurable detail levels for Kubernetes audit logs, ranging from metadata-only to full request and response details.

Audit Logging

Process of recording API server requests and responses for security, troubleshooting, and compliance purposes.

Audit Logs

Detailed records of activities and operations within a Kubernetes cluster, used for security and compliance monitoring.

Audit Policy

Configuration defining which events should be recorded in Kubernetes audit logs and at what level of detail.

Audit Profile

Predefined set of audit policy rules for common use cases in Kubernetes, simplifying audit configuration.

Audit Stages

Different phases of request processing where audit events can be generated in Kubernetes, providing comprehensive auditing.

Audit Webhook Configuration

Setup for sending Kubernetes audit events to external webhook endpoints for processing or analysis.

Auditing

Process of systematically recording and examining activities within a Kubernetes cluster for security and compliance purposes.

Authenticating Proxy

Intermediary service that handles authentication before forwarding requests to the Kubernetes API server.

Authentication Modules

Pluggable components in container orchestration platforms for verifying user identities using various methods.

Authorization Policies

Rules defining access permissions for users and services in container orchestration platforms.

Azure Container Instances

Serverless container hosting service in Azure, offering rapid deployment of containers without cluster management.

Azure Container Registry

Managed Docker registry service for storing and managing container images in Azure cloud environments.

BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) in Containers

Implementation of Border Gateway Protocol within containerized network environments for advanced routing.

BGP in Container Networks

In container networks, BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) manages routing information between containers and external networks for efficient traffic routing.

Backend for Frontend (BFF) Pattern

Microservices design pattern where a dedicated service acts as an API gateway for specific frontend needs.

Backup and Restore

Processes for preserving and recovering container data and configurations in orchestration platforms.

Base Image

Foundation Docker image upon which other images are built, containing core OS and runtime components.

Base Image Selection

Process of choosing appropriate foundation images for container builds, balancing size, security, and functionality.

Best Effort QoS

Kubernetes quality of service class for pods with no resource guarantees, scheduled when resources are available.

Blue-Green Deployments

Deployment strategy using two identical environments to minimize downtime and risk during updates.

Bootstrap Tokens

Temporary tokens used for secure cluster initialization and node joining in Kubernetes, simplifying cluster setup.

Bottlerocket OS

Minimalist Linux-based operating system optimized for running containers in cloud environments.

BuildKit

Advanced container image building toolkit offering improved performance and caching capabilities.

BuildKit for Advanced Image Building

Use of BuildKit for efficient, concurrent, and cache-optimized container image creation, improving build performance.

Bulkhead Pattern

Isolation technique in microservices to contain failures and prevent system-wide cascading failures.

Bulkhead Pattern in Microservices

The Bulkhead Pattern in microservices isolates failures by dividing services into separate compartments, preventing issues in one from affecting others.

Burstable QoS

Kubernetes quality of service class for pods that can use more resources than requested when available.

CIS Benchmarks for Containers

Security configuration guidelines for deploying containers securely in various environments.

CNI Plugin Chaining

Technique of using multiple Container Network Interface plugins together for advanced networking capabilities.

CPU Manager

Kubernetes feature for fine-grained CPU resource management and allocation to containers, optimizing performance.

CPU Throttling

Technique to limit CPU usage of containers to prevent resource monopolization and ensure fair allocation.

CQRS (Command Query Responsibility Segregation)

Architectural pattern separating read and write operations in distributed systems, often used in microservices.

CQRS (Command Query Responsibility Segregation) Pattern

Architectural pattern separating read and write operations in distributed systems, often used in microservices.

CRI (Container Runtime Interface) Specification

Standard interface between container runtimes and Kubernetes, allowing pluggable runtime implementations.

CRI Image Management

Functionality within CRI for pulling, inspecting, and removing container images, standardizing image operations.

CRI Logging

Standardized logging interface for container runtimes implementing the Container Runtime Interface.

CRI Metrics

Performance and resource usage data exposed by container runtimes adhering to the CRI specification.

CRI Runtime Class

Kubernetes feature allowing selection of different runtime configurations for containers, enabling specialized runtimes.

CRI Socket

Unix domain socket used for communication between Kubelet and the CRI-compatible container runtime.

CRI Validation Testing

Process of verifying that a container runtime correctly implements the CRI specification, ensuring compatibility.

CRI-O

Lightweight container runtime specifically designed for Kubernetes, implementing the CRI specification.

CRI-O Internals

Core components and architecture of the CRI-O container runtime, including its interaction with Kubernetes.

CRI-O as Container Runtime

Use of CRI-O, a lightweight container runtime, as the primary runtime in a Kubernetes cluster.

CSI Controller Plugin

Component of CSI responsible for volume provisioning and attachment operations in container orchestration systems.

CSI Drivers

Plugins implementing the Container Storage Interface for various storage systems in Kubernetes.

CSI Ephemeral Volumes

Short-lived volumes in Kubernetes, created and deleted alongside a pod using CSI drivers, for temporary storage.

CSI Migration

Process of transitioning from in-tree volume plugins to CSI drivers in Kubernetes, improving storage extensibility.

CSI Node Plugin

Component of CSI responsible for mounting volumes and making them available to containers.

CSI Topology

Feature allowing storage provisioning based on topology constraints in Kubernetes, optimizing data locality.

Cache-Aside Pattern

Caching strategy where the application checks the cache before retrieving data from the main data store.

Caching Strategies for Containers

Techniques for implementing and managing caches in containerized applications for improved performance.

Calico

Open-source networking and network security solution for containers, providing a rich set of security policies.

Calico eBPF Datapath

High-performance networking mode in Calico using extended Berkeley Packet Filter for packet processing.

Canary Deployments

Technique of releasing new versions to a subset of users or servers to minimize risk and gather feedback.

Capabilities

Fine-grained privileges that can be assigned to containers, enhancing security by limiting root-level access.

Capability Controls

Mechanisms for managing and restricting Linux capabilities assigned to containers for improved security.

Ceph RBD

Ceph's block storage system, often used for persistent volumes in container orchestration platforms.