Engineering Glossary
From fundamental principles to cutting-edge practices, this glossary covers the full spectrum of software engineering terminology.
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
stash entry
stash entry
A single set of stashed changes in Git, which can be reapplied later to the working directory.
status checks
status checks
Automated tests or processes that run when changes are proposed in a Git repository, ensuring code quality and compatibility.
subscription
subscription
Notifications or updates a user receives about activity in Git repositories they're interested in or contributing to.
superproject
superproject
The main Git repository that contains submodules, managing references to specific versions of nested repositories.
symref
symref
A symbolic reference in Git that points to another reference, most commonly used for HEAD pointing to the current branch.
tag object
tag object
A Git object containing metadata about a tag, including the tagger, date, and optional message.
team
team
A group of users on a Git platform with shared access permissions to repositories within an organization.
team maintainer
team maintainer
A user with administrative privileges for managing a team's membership and access rights in a Git organization.
timeline
timeline
A chronological display of events and activities in a Git repository or user profile on hosting platforms.
topic branch
topic branch
A short-lived Git branch created to develop a specific feature or fix a particular issue.
topics
topics
Keywords or categories assigned to Git repositories to help users discover related projects on hosting platforms.
traffic graph
traffic graph
A visual representation of visitor activity and clone statistics for a Git repository on hosting platforms.
transfer
transfer
The process of moving Git objects between repositories during push, fetch, or clone operations.
tree
tree
A Git object representing a directory structure, containing references to blobs (files) and other trees (subdirectories).
tree object
tree object
A Git object that stores the hierarchy of files and directories in a repository at a specific point in time.
tree-ish (also treeish)
tree-ish (also treeish)
A Git term referring to an object that resolves to a tree, such as a commit, tag, or tree.
unborn
unborn
A state of a Git branch that has no commits yet, typically seen when initializing a new repository.
unmerged index
unmerged index
The state of the Git index containing conflicting changes from different branches during a merge operation.
unreachable object
unreachable object
A Git object not accessible from any reference, potentially subject to garbage collection if not recovered.
upstream branch
upstream branch
The remote branch that a local branch is set to track, used as a reference for pull and push operations.
user
user
An individual account on a Git platform, associated with personal repositories and contributions.
user-to-server request
user-to-server request
An authenticated request from a Git client to a server, typically for operations like push or fetch.
username
username
The unique identifier for a user account on Git platforms, used for authentication and mention notifications.
visible team
visible team
A team in a Git organization that is visible to all members of the organization, as opposed to secret teams.
watch
watch
A feature allowing users to receive notifications about activity in Git repositories they're interested in.
watching notifications
watching notifications
Alerts received for all notable events in a watched Git repository, including issues, pull requests, and releases.
web notifications
web notifications
Alerts displayed on Git platforms' web interfaces, notifying users of relevant activity or mentions.
working area
working area
The directory on your local machine where you modify files before staging and committing them in Git.
working tree
working tree
The set of files and directories in your project that are currently checked out and available for editing.
worktree
worktree
A Git feature allowing multiple working directories to be associated with a single repository.
write access
write access
Permission to make changes to a Git repository, including pushing commits and modifying branches.
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 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.
Vertical Pod Autoscaler with Custom Metrics
Extended VPA functionality allowing scaling decisions based on application-specific metrics.
VerticalPodAutoscaler
Kubernetes resource defining the behavior for automatically adjusting pod resource requests and limits.
Virtual Clusters
Isolated environments within a physical Kubernetes cluster, providing multi-tenancy and resource isolation.
Virtual IP (VIP)
Single IP address representing a service, used for load balancing in container networking.
Virtual Kubelet
Kubernetes kubelet implementation that masquerades as a node and schedules pods on non-Kubernetes platforms.
Volume Access Modes (ReadWriteOnce, ReadOnlyMany, ReadWriteMany)
Kubernetes volume properties (ReadWriteOnce, ReadOnlyMany, ReadWriteMany) defining how a volume can be mounted.
Volume Cloning
Process of creating a new volume populated with the contents of an existing volume in Kubernetes.
Volume Expansion
Feature allowing the size of a persistent volume to be increased without recreating the volume.
Volume Health Monitoring
Kubernetes feature for detecting and reporting issues with persistent volumes to ensure data integrity.
Volume Modes (Block, Filesystem)
Kubernetes volume properties (Block, Filesystem) defining how the storage is presented to the container.
Volume Mounting
Process of making a storage volume accessible within a container's filesystem, enabling data persistence.
Volume Mounts
Specifications in Kubernetes pod definitions declaring how volumes should be mounted into containers.
Volume Plugins
Kubernetes components enabling integration with various storage systems for persistent storage.
Volume Snapshots
Point-in-time copies of volumes in Kubernetes, used for backup, restoration, or cloning of persistent data.
Vulnerability Scanning Integration
Incorporation of security scanning tools into the container build and deployment pipeline.
Weave GitOps
Set of tools for implementing GitOps workflows in Kubernetes environments, automating deployment and management.
Weave Net
Software-defined networking solution for containerized applications, providing a virtual network across hosts.
Weave Net for Multi-host Docker Networking
Use of Weave Net to create a virtual network connecting Docker containers across multiple hosts.
WebAssembly (Wasm) in Containers
Use of WebAssembly runtimes in containers for portable, secure, and high-performance applications.
WebAssembly in Service Mesh
Integration of WebAssembly modules in service mesh proxies for customizable traffic management.
Webhook Admission Controllers
External services invoked during the Kubernetes admission process to validate or mutate API requests.
Webhook Authorization
Kubernetes authorization mode delegating access decisions to an external REST service, enabling custom auth logic.
Webhook Token Authentication
Kubernetes authentication method verifying bearer tokens against an external webhook service.
Whereabouts for IP Address Management
CNI IPAM plugin for dynamically allocating IP addresses across multiple nodes in Kubernetes.
Wireguard for Container Networks
Use of the Wireguard VPN protocol to secure container-to-container communication across hosts.
X.509 Client Certs
Digital certificates used for authenticating clients in Kubernetes API server communications.
XDP (eXpress Data Path)
Linux kernel technology for high-performance packet processing, useful in container networking scenarios.
cAdvisor
Container advisor that collects, aggregates, and exports resource usage and performance data from running containers.
cgroups v2
Second version of control groups, offering a unified hierarchy and improved resource management for containers.
containerd
Industry-standard container runtime used by many container and orchestration platforms, providing core container operations.
containerd Internals
Core components and architecture of the containerd container runtime, including its image management and execution features.
containerd Shim
Intermediary process between containerd and runc, managing container lifecycle and I/O, enhancing isolation.
eBPF for Container Networking
Use of extended Berkeley Packet Filter for advanced container networking capabilities, enhancing performance and security.
eBPF for Container Observability
Use of extended Berkeley Packet Filter for deep insights into container behavior and performance.
eBPF in Service Mesh
Integration of eBPF technology in service mesh implementations for improved performance and observability.
eBPF-based Monitoring
Use of eBPF for efficient and detailed monitoring of containerized applications and infrastructure.
etcd Encryption
Feature ensuring at-rest encryption of data stored in etcd, Kubernetes' distributed key-value store.
etcd Performance Tuning
Optimization techniques for improving etcd performance in large-scale container orchestration.
etcd Snapshots
Point-in-time copies of etcd's state, used for backup and recovery in Kubernetes clusters.
etcd Upgrade
Process of updating the etcd cluster to a newer version in a Kubernetes environment, ensuring cluster data store reliability.
gRPC Protocol
High-performance, open-source RPC framework used for efficient communication between containerized microservices.
gRPC in Microservices
Use of gRPC, a high-performance RPC framework, for communication between containerized microservices.
gVisor
Container runtime sandbox that provides an additional layer of isolation between containerized applications and the host kernel.
gVisor for Container Isolation
Use of gVisor to enhance security in multi-tenant container environments by isolating containers from the host kernel.
in-toto for Supply Chain Integrity
Framework for securing software supply chains, applicable to container image build and distribution processes.
kube-hunter for Penetration Testing
Open-source tool for discovering security weaknesses in Kubernetes clusters through simulated attacks.
kube-proxy
Kubernetes network proxy maintaining network rules on nodes, implementing part of the Kubernetes Service concept.
kube-proxy Modes (iptables, IPVS)
Different implementations of kube-proxy for managing service networking, each with unique performance characteristics.
kube-scheduler
Kubernetes component responsible for assigning newly created pods to nodes based on resource requirements and constraints.
kubelet
Primary node agent running on each node in a Kubernetes cluster, ensuring containers are running in a pod as expected.