Engineering Glossary

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

DevOps
Cloud Computing
Git
Containerization & Orchestration

"As code"

Defining and managing infrastructure, configurations, or processes using code, enabling version control, automation, and reproducibility.
DevOps

"Nines"

Measure of system availability, expressed as a percentage. E.g., "five nines" means 99.999% uptime, allowing for minimal downtime.
DevOps

"Single Pane of Glass"

Unified display or interface that integrates data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view of system status or operations.
DevOps

A/B Testing

Comparing two versions of a webpage or app to determine which performs better, based on user interaction and conversion rates.
DevOps

AIOps (Artificial Intelligence Operations)

Using AI and machine learning to enhance IT operations, automating tasks and providing insights for better decision-making.
DevOps

ALB (Application Load Balancing)

Distributes incoming application traffic across multiple targets to improve availability and fault tolerance.
DevOps

API

Application Programming Interface; set of protocols and tools for building software applications and enabling communication between systems.
DevOps

API Discovery

Process of identifying and documenting available APIs within an organization or from external sources.
DevOps

API Endpoint

Specific URL where an API can be accessed and where requests are sent to interact with a server or service.
DevOps

API Gateway

Manages, secures, and routes API requests, acting as a single entry point for multiple microservices or backend systems.
DevOps

API Management

Process of creating, publishing, documenting, and analyzing APIs in a secure environment.
DevOps

API Monitoring

Tracking API performance, availability, and usage to ensure optimal functionality and identify issues.
DevOps

API Response Time

The duration between sending a request to an API and receiving the response, crucial for performance evaluation.
DevOps

API Security

Measures and practices to protect APIs from unauthorized access, attacks, and data breaches.
DevOps

API Versioning

Managing different versions of an API to maintain compatibility while allowing updates and improvements.
DevOps

ASG (Auto Scaling Group)

Feature in cloud computing that automatically adjusts the number of instances based on defined conditions.
DevOps

ASP.Net Core Monitoring

Observing and analyzing the performance and behavior of applications built with ASP.Net Core framework.
DevOps

ATO (Account Takeover)

Type of identity theft where an attacker gains unauthorized access to a user's account.
DevOps

AWS (Amazon Web Services)

Cloud computing platform offering a wide range of services for computing, storage, networking, and more.
DevOps

AWS App Development Tools

Suite of tools provided by AWS for building, testing, and deploying applications on their cloud platform.
DevOps

AWS CLI

Command-line interface for interacting with AWS services, allowing users to manage resources and automate tasks.
DevOps

AWS CloudWatch

Monitoring and observability service for AWS resources and applications, providing metrics, logs, and alarms.
DevOps

AWS CodeDeploy

Fully managed deployment service that automates software deployments to various compute services.
DevOps

AWS CodePipeline

Continuous delivery service for fast and reliable application and infrastructure updates.
DevOps

AWS EC2

Elastic Compute Cloud; scalable computing capacity in the AWS cloud for running virtual servers.
DevOps

AWS ELB

Elastic Load Balancing; automatically distributes incoming application traffic across multiple targets.
DevOps

AWS Lambda

Serverless compute service that runs code in response to events and automatically manages the underlying resources.
DevOps

AWS Managed Services

Ongoing management of AWS infrastructure, allowing customers to focus on their applications and business.
DevOps

AWS Monitoring

Process of tracking and analyzing the performance, health, and usage of AWS resources and applications.
DevOps

AWS RDS

Relational Database Service; managed service for setting up, operating, and scaling relational databases in the cloud.
DevOps

AWS RDS Postgres Monitoring

Tracking and analyzing the performance and health of PostgreSQL databases running on AWS RDS.
DevOps

AWS S3

Simple Storage Service; object storage service offering industry-leading scalability, data availability, and performance.
DevOps

AWS S3 Cost Optimization

Strategies and practices to reduce costs associated with storing and accessing data in AWS S3.
DevOps

AWS Security

Set of tools, services, and best practices for protecting data, applications, and infrastructure in the AWS cloud.
DevOps

Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD)

Software development approach where acceptance tests are written before the code, guiding implementation.
DevOps

Active Directory

Microsoft's directory service for Windows domain networks, managing users, computers, groups, and other objects.
DevOps

Advanced Rate Limiting

Technique to control the rate of incoming requests to an API or service, preventing overload and ensuring fair usage.
DevOps

Agent

Software component that performs automated tasks, often used in monitoring, data collection, or system management.
DevOps

Agile

Iterative approach to software development emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, and rapid delivery of working software.
DevOps

Agile Manifesto

Document outlining values and principles of Agile software development, prioritizing individuals, working software, and adaptability.
DevOps

Agile Methodology

Set of practices based on Agile principles, focusing on iterative development, team collaboration, and customer feedback.
DevOps

Agile Organization

Company structure that emphasizes adaptability, quick response to change, and continuous improvement.
DevOps

Agile Project Management

Applying Agile principles to project management, focusing on iterative planning, frequent delivery, and team empowerment.
DevOps

Agile Software Development

Iterative approach to building software, emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, and rapid delivery of working features.
DevOps

Ajax Requests

Technique for creating fast, dynamic web pages by exchanging small amounts of data with the server behind the scenes.
DevOps

Alerting

System for notifying relevant personnel about critical events or issues in IT infrastructure or applications.
DevOps

Amazon Aurora

Fully managed relational database engine compatible with MySQL and PostgreSQL, designed for the cloud.
DevOps

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

A cloud platform offering a wide range of services like computing power, storage, and databases, enabling scalable, flexible solutions.
DevOps

Android Deployment

Process of distributing and installing Android applications on devices or making them available through app stores.
DevOps

Android Emulator

Software tool that simulates Android devices on a computer for testing and development purposes.
DevOps

Android Studio

Official integrated development environment (IDE) for Android app development, offering a comprehensive set of tools and features.
DevOps

Anomaly Detection

Process of identifying unusual patterns or behaviors that deviate from expected norms in data or system behavior.
DevOps

Ansible

Open-source automation tool for configuration management, application deployment, and task automation.
DevOps

Antifragile

Quality of systems that gain strength from disorder or stress, becoming more resilient in the face of challenges.
DevOps

Apache

Popular open-source web server software that can run on various platforms, known for its reliability and extensive feature set.
DevOps

App Store Connect

Apple's platform for managing apps, viewing analytics, and submitting to the App Store.
DevOps

AppDynamics

Application performance management and IT operations analytics platform for monitoring and optimizing application performance.
DevOps

Application Containerization

Packaging software code and dependencies into lightweight, portable containers for consistent deployment across environments.
DevOps

Application Firewall

Security system that monitors, filters, and blocks HTTP/HTTPS traffic to and from web applications.
DevOps

Application Infrastructure

The hardware, software, and networking components required to run and support an application.
DevOps

Application Lifecycle Management

Process of managing an application from ideation through retirement, including development, testing, and maintenance.
DevOps

Application Migration

Process of moving an application from one environment to another, often involving cloud or platform transitions.
DevOps

Application Performance Monitoring (APM)

Tools and practices for monitoring and managing the performance and availability of software applications.
DevOps

Application Platform

Software framework that provides a foundation for developing and running applications, often including runtime services and APIs.
DevOps

Application Program Interface (API)

Set of protocols, routines, and tools for building software applications and enabling communication between different software systems.
DevOps

Application Release Automation (ARA)

Process of packaging and deploying applications automatically across various environments and platforms.
DevOps

Application Security

Measures taken to improve the security of an application by finding, fixing, and preventing vulnerabilities.
DevOps

Application Team

Group responsible for developing, maintaining, and improving a specific application or set of applications.
DevOps

Application Whitelisting

Security practice that specifies which applications are permitted to run on a system, blocking all others.
DevOps

Application Workflow

Sequence of tasks or processes within an application, often automated to improve efficiency and consistency.
DevOps

Aptly

Debian repository management tool that makes it easy to mirror existing repositories and create new ones.
DevOps

Artifact

Any file or object produced during the software development process, such as compiled code, documentation, or test results.
DevOps

Artifactory

Repository manager for storing and managing software packages, artifacts, and dependencies.
DevOps

Artifacts

Byproducts of software development, including executables, libraries, documentation, and other files created during the process.
DevOps

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning and problem-solving.
DevOps

Asgard

Open-source web-based tool for cloud management and application deployment, primarily used with Amazon Web Services.
DevOps

Asterisk

Open-source framework for building communications applications, particularly used for creating custom telephone systems.
DevOps

Atom

Open-source text and source code editor developed by GitHub, known for its customizability.
DevOps

Attack Surface

Total sum of vulnerabilities in a given system that are accessible to an attacker.
DevOps

Attack Vector

Method or pathway used by a malicious actor to gain unauthorized access to a computer or network.
DevOps

Audit Log

Chronological record of system activities, providing a trail for tracking user actions and system events.
DevOps

Auditd

Linux daemon that monitors and logs system activities to detect security violations.
DevOps

Authentication Factor

Piece of information or process used to verify a user's identity, such as passwords, biometrics, or security tokens.
DevOps

Automated Builds

Process of compiling source code into executable software without manual intervention, often part of CI/CD pipelines.
DevOps

Automation

Use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention, improving efficiency and reducing errors.
DevOps

Autonomy

Degree of independence and self-governance given to teams or systems in making decisions and performing tasks.
DevOps

Awsbox

Tool for deploying node.js apps to Amazon Web Services, simplifying the process of setting up and managing instances.
DevOps

Azure

Microsoft's cloud computing platform providing a wide range of services for building, testing, deploying, and managing applications.
DevOps

Back-end

Server-side of a website or application, responsible for data storage, security, and business logic.
DevOps

Backup

Copy of data created to protect against loss or damage, often stored separately from the original for recovery purposes.
DevOps

Bad/Threat Actor

Individual or entity that attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in systems or networks for malicious purposes.
DevOps

Baklava code

Term describing code that has too many layers, making it overly complex and difficult to understand or maintain.
DevOps

Bamboo

Continuous integration and deployment server by Atlassian, automating the building, testing, and deployment of software.
DevOps

Bare-metal

Physical computer server dedicated to a single tenant, not virtualized or shared among multiple users.
DevOps

Barkeep

Open-source web-based code review system that facilitates collaborative code reviews and discussions.
DevOps

Bash

Unix shell and command language, widely used for scripting and automating tasks in Unix-like operating systems.
DevOps

Bastion host

Specially designed system on a network specifically intended to withstand attacks, usually placed at the edge of a network.
DevOps

Bazel

Open-source build and test tool that enables fast, reproducible builds across multiple platforms and languages.
DevOps

Beats

Lightweight data shippers for various types of data, part of the Elastic Stack for log and metrics collection.
DevOps

Behavior-Driven Development (BDD)

Software development approach that focuses on defining the behavior of an application based on user stories.
DevOps
Git Pull --Rebase

Git Pull --Rebase

A variation of Git pull that fetches remote changes and rebases local commits on top of them instead of merging.
Git Push --Force-with-Lease

Git Push --Force-with-Lease

A safer alternative to force push, which only updates the branch if it hasn't been modified since your last fetch.
Git Range-diff

Git Range-diff

A command that compares the changes between two commit ranges, useful for reviewing rebased branches.
Git Read-tree

Git Read-tree

A low-level command that reads tree objects into the index, used in complex merging scenarios.
Git Reflog

Git Reflog

A log of all reference updates in a repository, useful for recovering lost commits or branches.
Git Reflogs

Git Reflogs

Same as Git Reflog, logs that record when the tips of branches and other references were updated in the repository.
Git Refs Storage

Git Refs Storage

The system Git uses to store references (like branches and tags) as files in the .git directory.
Git Refspec

Git Refspec

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

Git Remote Add

Adds a new remote repository to your local Git configuration, associating a name with a URL.
Git Remote Prune

Git Remote Prune

A command that removes remote-tracking branches that no longer exist on the remote repository.
Git Remote Remove

Git Remote Remove

Removes a remote repository from your local Git configuration, deleting its associated references.
Git Replace

Git Replace

A feature allowing one Git object to be transparently used in place of another, useful for history rewriting.
Git Rerere (Reuse Recorded Resolution)

Git Rerere (Reuse Recorded Resolution)

A feature that remembers how you resolved merge conflicts and automatically reapplies the resolution.
Git Reset

Git Reset

A command used to undo changes by moving the current branch head to a specific commit.
Git Reset --Hard

Git Reset --Hard

A Git reset option that updates the working directory and staging area to match the specified commit.
Git Reset --Soft

Git Reset --Soft

A Git reset option that moves the HEAD to a specified commit without changing the working directory or staging area.
Git Rev-list

Git Rev-list

A command that lists commit objects in reverse chronological order, often used as a basis for other commands.
Git Rev-parse

Git Rev-parse

A command used to parse Git revision syntax and return the corresponding object name.
Git Revert

Git Revert

A command that creates a new commit that undoes the changes made by a previous commit.
Git Rm

Git Rm

A command to remove files from both the working directory and the Git repository.
Git Shallow Clone

Git Shallow Clone

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

Git Shortlog

A command that summarizes git log output, typically used to create release announcements.
Git Signed Commits

Git Signed Commits

Commits that are cryptographically signed to verify the identity of the committer and ensure integrity.
Git Signed Tags

Git Signed Tags

Tags that are cryptographically signed to verify the identity of the tagger and ensure the tag's integrity.
Git Squash

Git Squash

The process of combining multiple commits into a single commit, often used to simplify history before merging.
Git Stash Apply

Git Stash Apply

A command that applies a stored stash to the working directory without removing it from the stash list.
Git Stash Pop

Git Stash Pop

A command that applies a stored stash to the working directory and removes it from the stash list.
Git Status

Git Status

A command that displays the state of the working directory and the staging area.
Git Submodule

Git Submodule

A repository embedded within another repository, allowing you to keep a Git repository as a subdirectory of another Git repository.
Git Submodule Foreach

Git Submodule Foreach

A command that executes a specified shell command for each initialized submodule in a Git repository.
Git Subtree

Git Subtree

A feature for managing nested repositories as subdirectories of a parent repository, an alternative to submodules.
Git Update-index

Git Update-index

A low-level Git command that manipulates the staging area, updating file information and preparing changes for commit.
Git Wire Protocol

Git Wire Protocol

The communication protocol used between Git clients and servers for efficient data transfer.
Git Worktree

Git Worktree

A feature allowing multiple working trees to be attached to the same repository, useful for working on different branches simultaneously.
Git Worktree Add

Git Worktree Add

Creates a new working tree associated with the repository, allowing work on multiple branches simultaneously.
Git Worktree List

Git Worktree List

A command to list details of each working tree associated with the repository, showing paths and branch information.
Git Write-tree

Git Write-tree

A low-level Git command that creates a tree object from the current index, representing a directory structure.
Git archive

Git archive

A Git command used to create an archive (zip or tar) of files from a specified commit, useful for creating release packages.
Git branch naming conventions

Git branch naming conventions

Agreed-upon patterns for naming branches to improve organization and clarity in collaborative projects.
Git cat-file

Git cat-file

A command to examine the contents and type of Git objects, useful for inspecting repository internals.
Git cherry-pick --continue

Git cherry-pick --continue

A command to resume the cherry-pick process after resolving conflicts in a paused cherry-pick operation.
Git config scopes (system, global, local)

Git config scopes (system, global, local)

Levels at which Git configuration can be set: system (all users), global (user), and local (repository).
Git count-objects -v

Git count-objects -v

A command providing detailed statistics about the number and size of objects in a Git repository.
Git credential helpers

Git credential helpers

Mechanisms to securely store and retrieve credentials for Git operations, reducing manual authentication.
Git diff drivers

Git diff drivers

Custom scripts that determine how Git should generate diffs for specific file types.
Git filter-repo

Git filter-repo

A versatile tool for rewriting Git repository history, offering more power and flexibility than git filter-branch.
Git gc aggressive

Git gc aggressive

A more thorough garbage collection process in Git, optimizing repository storage and performance.
Git hash-object

Git hash-object

A low-level Git command that computes the object ID (SHA-1 hash) for a given file or string, used in Git's internal storage.
Git hooks (client-side and server-side)

Git hooks (client-side and server-side)

Scripts triggered by specific events in Git workflows, used to automate tasks or enforce policies.
Git index (staging area)

Git index (staging area)

The intermediate area in Git where changes are prepared before committing, also known as the staging area.
Git loose objects

Git loose objects

Individual, uncompressed Git objects stored separately in the object database before being packed.
Git ls-tree

Git ls-tree

A command to list the contents of a tree object in Git, showing files and subdirectories.
Git merge drivers

Git merge drivers

Custom scripts defining how Git should handle merges for specific file types or patterns.
Git mktree

Git mktree

A low-level Git command that creates a tree object from a specific index or tree listing.
Git object types (blob, tree, commit, tag)

Git object types (blob, tree, commit, tag)

The four fundamental object types used by Git to store repository data and history.
Git pack-refs

Git pack-refs

A command to pack references into a single file for improved performance in repositories with many references.
Git packfiles

Git packfiles

Compressed files containing multiple Git objects, optimizing storage and transfer efficiency in repositories.
Git post-receive hooks (server-side)

Git post-receive hooks (server-side)

Server-side scripts that run after commits have been accepted, often used for notifications or deployments.
Git pre-receive hooks (server-side)

Git pre-receive hooks (server-side)

Server-side scripts that run before pushed commits are accepted, used to enforce policies or checks.
Git protocol v2

Git protocol v2

An improved version of the Git transfer protocol, offering better performance and feature negotiation.
Git rebase --onto

Git rebase --onto

A command to move a series of commits to a new base commit, useful for changing the parent of a branch.
Git reflog expire

Git reflog expire

A command to remove old entries from the reflog, useful for cleaning up Git history and freeing space.
Git repack

Git repack

A command to combine all loose objects in a repository into packfiles, improving storage efficiency.
Git reset (soft, mixed, hard)

Git reset (soft, mixed, hard)

Commands to undo changes in Git, with varying impacts on the working directory and staging area.
Git secret management

Git secret management

Techniques and tools for securely storing and accessing sensitive information in Git repositories.
Git show-ref

Git show-ref

A command that lists references in a Git repository along with their associated commit hashes.
Git sparse-checkout

Git sparse-checkout

A feature allowing users to check out only a subset of files from a repository, saving space and time.
Git verify-pack

Git verify-pack

A command to validate the contents of Git pack files, ensuring data integrity in the object database.
GitHub App

GitHub App

An application that can be installed directly on organizations and user accounts to extend GitHub's functionality.
GitHub Flavored Markdown

GitHub Flavored Markdown

A version of Markdown with additional features specifically supported on GitHub.
GitHub Importer

GitHub Importer

A tool for importing repositories to GitHub from other version control systems or source code hosts.
GitHub Issues

GitHub Issues

A feature in GitHub for tracking tasks, enhancements, and bugs for a project.
GitHub Jobs

GitHub Jobs

A platform for posting and finding software development jobs, integrated with GitHub profiles, that was discontinued in 2021.
GitHub Marketplace

GitHub Marketplace

A platform for developers to sell and buy integrations for GitHub, enhancing workflow and productivity.
GitHub Pages

GitHub Pages

A static site hosting service that takes files directly from a GitHub repository to publish websites.
GitHub Wiki

GitHub Wiki

A collaborative documentation feature in GitHub repositories, allowing easy creation and editing of project documentation.
GitHub flow

GitHub flow

A lightweight, branch-based workflow that supports teams and projects where deployments are made regularly.
GitLab flow

GitLab flow

A version control workflow that combines feature-driven development and feature branches with issue tracking.
Gitflow

Gitflow

Branching model for Git that defines a strict branching model designed around project releases.
Gitk (Git Repository Browser)

Gitk (Git Repository Browser)

A graphical interface for viewing Git repositories, providing a visual representation of commit history.
GraphQL

GraphQL

Query language for APIs and a runtime for executing those queries with existing data.
HEAD

HEAD

A pointer in Git that refers to the latest commit in the current checked-out branch.
Hello, World

Hello, World

A simple program often used as an introduction to a new programming language or environment, including Git tutorials.
Hotfix branching

Hotfix branching

A method for quickly patching production releases by branching directly from the main branch or a tag.
Index

Index

Also known as the staging area, where changes are prepared before committing in Git.
Issue templates

Issue templates

Predefined structures for creating new issues in Git repositories, ensuring consistent and complete information.
Jekyll

Jekyll

A static site generator often used with GitHub Pages to create websites from Markdown files in a Git repository.
Jekyll Theme Chooser

Jekyll Theme Chooser

A tool in GitHub Pages that allows users to easily select and apply pre-designed themes to their Jekyll sites.
LFS

LFS

Git Large File Storage, an extension for versioning large files in Git repositories.
Linguist

Linguist

A library used by GitHub to detect the programming languages used in repositories.
Markdown

Markdown

A lightweight markup language commonly used for documentation in Git repositories.
Master

Master

Formerly the default name for the primary branch in Git repositories, now often replaced by 'main'.
Merge

Merge

The process of combining changes from different branches into a single branch, integrating multiple lines of development.
OAuth app

OAuth app

An application that uses the OAuth protocol to access Git platform APIs on behalf of users.
OAuth token

OAuth token

A secure string used for authentication in Git operations, allowing access to resources without sharing passwords.
Origin

Origin

The default name for the remote repository from which a local repository was cloned.
Patch

Patch

A file describing changes between versions, used to share and apply modifications across different Git repositories.
Pull

Pull

A Git command that fetches changes from a remote repository and merges them into the current branch.
Pull Request

Pull Request

A method of submitting contributions to a Git project, proposing changes from a forked repository or branch.
Pull request templates

Pull request templates

Customizable files that automatically populate the body of new pull requests, guiding contributors.

Hybrid Blockchain-Cloud Solutions

Systems integrating blockchain technology with traditional cloud services for enhanced security and transparency.

Hybrid Cloud Management

Tools and practices for managing resources across public and private cloud environments.

Hybrid Cloud Monitoring

Tracking performance and health of resources spanning both public and private cloud environments.

Hybrid Cloud Orchestration

Coordinating and automating workflows across multiple cloud environments and on-premises infrastructure.

Hybrid Cloud Storage

Data storage solutions that span both on-premises and cloud environments, offering flexible and scalable data management.

Hybrid Connectivity

Network solutions that connect on-premises infrastructure with cloud services, enabling seamless integration and data flow.

Hybrid Identity Management

Managing user identities and access across both on-premises systems and cloud services.

Hybrid Integration Platforms

Tools for connecting applications, data, and processes across on-premises and cloud environments.

Hybrid Quantum-Classical Algorithms

Computational methods combining quantum and classical processing in cloud environments.

Hybrid Quantum-Classical Computing

Using both quantum and classical computing resources in tandem for cloud-based problem-solving.

Hybrid Transactional/Analytical Processing (HTAP)

Database systems supporting both real-time transactions and analytics in cloud environments.

Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI)

Integrated compute, storage, and networking in a single cloud-managed system, simplifying data center architecture.

Hyperparameter Tuning

Process of optimizing machine learning model parameters in cloud-based environments.

Hypervisor

Software layer that manages virtual machines in cloud computing environments, enabling efficient resource utilization and isolation.

IAM Roles and Policies

Defined permissions and access controls for users and services in cloud environments.

ISO 27001 Certification

International standard for information security management in cloud environments.

Identity-Aware Proxies

Security tools that verify user identity before granting access to cloud applications.

Image Scanning

Automated process of examining container images for vulnerabilities in cloud environments.

Immutable Infrastructure Security

Security approach based on replacing rather than modifying cloud infrastructure components.

Immutable Storage

Cloud storage that prevents data modification after writing, ensuring data integrity and compliance.

In-Memory Database (e.g., Amazon ElastiCache, Azure Cache for Redis)

Database system that primarily uses main memory for data storage in cloud environments.

In-Memory Grid Computing

Distributed computing using the collective memory of networked computers in the cloud.

In-Network Computing

Processing data within network devices to reduce latency and bandwidth use in cloud architectures.

Incremental Computing Frameworks

Systems for efficiently updating computation results when input data changes in cloud environments.

Indexing

Process of organizing data to optimize query performance in cloud databases, enhancing search and retrieval efficiency.

Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Security Scanning

Automated tools for identifying security issues in infrastructure definition files.

Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Testing

Validating infrastructure definitions before deployment in cloud environments, ensuring reliability and consistency.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Cloud-based provision of virtualized computing resources over the internet, including servers, storage, and networking.

Infrastructure-from-Code

Generating cloud infrastructure configurations directly from application code, streamlining development and deployment processes.

Instance Types (e.g., General Purpose, Compute Optimized, Memory Optimized)

Predefined virtual server configurations optimized for different use cases in cloud environments.

Integration Flow Designer

Visual tool for creating and managing data integration processes in cloud environments.

Integration Monitoring and Analytics

Tools for tracking and analyzing the performance of integrated cloud systems and processes.

Intelligent Tiering

Automated data storage class selection based on access patterns in cloud environments.

Intelligent Tiering for Storage

Automatic movement of data between storage tiers based on usage patterns in the cloud.

Intent-Based Networking

Network management approach using AI to automate configuration based on business intent.

Internet Gateway

Network node that connects cloud VPCs to the internet, enabling communication with external resources.

Interplanetary File System (IPFS) Cloud Storage

Decentralized storage system for distributing and accessing files in the cloud, enhancing data availability and resilience.

Intrusion Detection System (IDS)

Security tool that monitors network traffic for suspicious activity in cloud environments.

Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)

Security system that not only detects but also blocks potential threats in cloud networks.

IoT Analytics

Processing and analyzing data from Internet of Things devices in cloud environments.

IoT Anomaly Detection

Identifying unusual patterns in data from IoT devices using cloud-based analytics.

IoT Central (Azure)

Fully managed IoT application platform in the Azure cloud for connecting, monitoring, and managing IoT devices at scale.

IoT Data Ingestion

Process of collecting and importing data from IoT devices into cloud systems for storage, analysis, and processing.

IoT Data Lake

Centralized repository in the cloud for storing large volumes of IoT device data.

IoT Device Management

Cloud-based systems for monitoring, updating, and controlling IoT devices, ensuring efficient operation and security at scale.

IoT Device Provisioning

Process of setting up and configuring IoT devices for secure cloud connectivity.

IoT Device SDK

Software development kit for building applications that connect IoT devices to cloud services.

IoT Edge

Deploying cloud intelligence directly to IoT devices for local processing and analytics.

IoT Edge Computing

Processing data from IoT devices locally before sending to the cloud, reducing latency and bandwidth usage.

IoT Greengrass (AWS)

AWS service for running local compute, messaging, and data caching for connected IoT devices.

IoT Hub

Central message hub for bi-directional communication between IoT applications and devices.

IoT Integration Frameworks

Tools for connecting and managing diverse IoT devices and data streams in cloud environments.

IoT Lifecycle Management

Cloud-based tools for managing IoT devices from deployment through retirement, ensuring efficient device administration.

IoT Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates

Remote software updates for IoT devices managed through cloud platforms, ensuring device security and functionality.

IoT Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Cloud-based platform for developing, managing, and integrating IoT applications and devices.

IoT Protocols (MQTT, CoAP)

Lightweight communication protocols designed for IoT devices in cloud environments.

IoT Rules Engine

Cloud service for processing and acting on data from IoT devices based on predefined conditions.

IoT Security

Measures to protect IoT devices, data, and infrastructure in cloud-connected environments.

IoT Streaming Analytics

Real-time processing and analysis of data streams from IoT devices in the cloud.

Key Management Service (KMS)

Cloud service for creating and managing cryptographic keys for data encryption, ensuring secure data protection.

Knative

Kubernetes-based platform for building, deploying, and managing serverless workloads.

Kubeless

Kubernetes-native serverless framework enabling function deployment without managing underlying infrastructure.

Kubernetes Network Policies

Rules for controlling network traffic between pods in Kubernetes clusters, enhancing security in cloud-native environments.

Kubernetes Security Posture Management (KSPM)

Tools for assessing and improving security configurations in Kubernetes environments.

Kubernetes Services (e.g., Amazon EKS, Azure AKS, Google GKE)

Managed Kubernetes platforms offered by major cloud providers for container orchestration.

Kustomize

Kubernetes native configuration management tool for customizing application configurations.

Lambda@Edge (AWS)

AWS service for running Lambda functions at edge locations to customize content delivery.

Launch Configuration

Template for EC2 instance settings used in Auto Scaling groups, defining instance type, AMI, and other parameters.

Least Privilege Principle

Security concept of granting only the minimum permissions necessary in cloud environments.

License Optimization for Cloud

Managing software licenses efficiently to reduce costs in cloud environments, ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness.

Lift and Shift

Migration strategy of moving applications to the cloud without significant modifications.

Lightweight VMs (like Firecracker)

Minimalist virtual machines designed for fast startup and low resource usage in cloud environments.

Linkerd

Lightweight service mesh for Kubernetes, providing observability, reliability, and security for microservices.

Liquid Cooling for High-Density Compute

Using liquid to dissipate heat in densely packed cloud data centers for improved efficiency.

Load Balancer (Application, Network, Classic)

Service that distributes incoming network traffic across multiple servers to ensure no single server becomes overwhelmed.

Log Analytics

Process of collecting, analyzing, and visualizing log data from cloud resources for insights and troubleshooting.

Log Intelligence

AI-driven analysis of log data to identify patterns, anomalies, and insights in cloud environments.

Low-Code Integration Platforms

Tools for building application integrations with minimal hand-coding in cloud environments.

Low-Code/No-Code Development Platforms

Cloud-based tools for creating applications with little to no traditional programming.

Low-Code/No-Code Platforms

Cloud services enabling app development with minimal coding, using visual interfaces and pre-built components.

MQTT Protocol

Lightweight messaging protocol designed for IoT devices and low-bandwidth networks in cloud ecosystems.

Machine Learning Platforms (e.g., Amazon SageMaker, Azure Machine Learning)

Cloud-based services for building, training, and deploying machine learning models at scale.

Master Data Management (MDM) in the Cloud

Centralized management of critical business data entities in cloud environments.

Meta-Learning Frameworks

Tools for developing AI models that can learn how to learn, improving adaptability in cloud environments.

Metadata Management Services

Cloud tools for organizing, integrating, and governing metadata across various data sources.

Metamaterial Antennas for Cloud Connectivity

Advanced antenna designs using engineered materials to enhance cloud network performance.

Metric Collection

Gathering and storing quantitative data about cloud resource performance and usage.

Micro-Frontends

Architectural style where frontend apps are composed from independently deployable components in the cloud.

Microsegmentation Orchestration

Automating the process of dividing cloud networks into secure zones for enhanced protection.

Microservices Integration

Connecting and coordinating interactions between independent microservices in cloud architectures.

Migration Planning

Strategic process of preparing and scheduling the move of applications and data to cloud environments.

Mixed Reality as a Service

Cloud-based platforms for developing and deploying mixed reality applications, combining virtual and physical environments.

Mobile Edge Computing

Bringing cloud computing capabilities closer to mobile users to reduce latency and improve performance.

Mobile Edge Computing (MEC)

Extending cloud computing capabilities to the edge of mobile networks for lower latency.

Model Deployment

Process of making machine learning models available for use in cloud production environments.

Model Explainability

Techniques for understanding and interpreting decisions made by AI models in cloud environments.

Model Monitoring

Tracking the performance and behavior of deployed machine learning models in cloud environments.

Model Registry

Centralized repository for storing and managing machine learning models in cloud environments.

Model Serving

Process of making trained machine learning models available for real-time predictions in cloud environments.

Model Training

Process of teaching machine learning algorithms to make predictions using data in cloud environments.

Scheduling Framework

Kubernetes component allowing plugins to customize the scheduling process without changing the core scheduler code.

Scheduling Plugins

Modular components in Kubernetes scheduler implementing specific scheduling behaviors and policies.

Scheduling Profiles

Configurations defining sets of scheduling plugins to be used for different scheduling scenarios in Kubernetes.

Seccomp BPF

Use of Berkeley Packet Filter programs to define fine-grained seccomp profiles for container security.

Seccomp Profiles

Security profiles defining allowed system calls for containers, enhancing isolation and reducing attack surface.

Secret

Kubernetes object for storing and managing sensitive information such as passwords, tokens, or keys.

Secrets Management

Process of securely storing, distributing, and rotating sensitive data in containerized environments.

Secure Computing Mode (seccomp)

Linux kernel feature limiting the system calls a process can make, often used to secure containers.

Secure Supply Chain

Practices ensuring the integrity and security of container images and their dependencies throughout the development lifecycle.

Security Context Constraint

OpenShift object defining a set of conditions that a pod must run with to be accepted into the system.

Security Context Constraints

OpenShift feature for fine-grained control over the actions containers can perform and the resources they can access.

Security Scanning in CI Pipeline

Integration of vulnerability and compliance scans into the continuous integration process for container images.

Serverless Frameworks

Tools and platforms for building and deploying serverless applications on container orchestration systems.

Serverless Observability

Techniques and tools for monitoring, tracing, and debugging serverless functions and applications.

Serverless Patterns

Architectural patterns for designing and implementing serverless applications in containerized environments.

Serverless Security

Practices and tools for securing serverless functions and applications in container-based infrastructures.

Serverless Workflows

Orchestration of multiple serverless functions to create complex, event-driven applications.

Service

Kubernetes abstraction defining a logical set of pods and a policy by which to access them.

Service Account Token Volume Projection

Kubernetes feature for securely delivering service account tokens to pods, enhancing security.

Service Account Tokens

Credentials automatically generated for pods to authenticate with the Kubernetes API server.

Service Discovery Pattern

Technique allowing services to locate and communicate with each other dynamically in containerized environments.

Service Mesh Control Plane

Component of a service mesh responsible for managing and configuring the data plane proxies.

Service Mesh Data Plane

Component of a service mesh consisting of proxies that intercept and control service-to-service communication.

Service Mesh Interface (SMI)

Specification defining a set of common APIs for service meshes on Kubernetes, promoting interoperability.

Service Mesh Pattern

Architectural pattern providing a dedicated infrastructure layer for handling service-to-service communication.

Service Mesh Performance (SMP)

Standard for measuring and characterizing the performance of service mesh deployments, aiding in optimization.

Service Monitors

Custom resources in Prometheus Operator for declaratively defining how services should be monitored.

Service Networking

Mechanisms and configurations for enabling network communication between services in container orchestration platforms.

Service Topology

Kubernetes feature allowing services to route traffic based on node topology for improved performance.

Service-to-Service Authentication

Process of verifying the identity of services communicating with each other in a containerized environment.

ServiceAccount

Kubernetes object providing an identity for processes running in a pod, used for authentication and authorization.

Sharding Pattern for Data Partitioning

Technique of dividing data across multiple database instances in containerized environments.

Sidecar Containers

Additional containers in a pod that enhance or extend the functionality of the main container.

Sidecar Pattern

Design pattern where a sidecar container is deployed alongside the main application container to provide supporting features.

Sidecar Proxy

Proxy container deployed alongside application containers to handle network traffic and implement service mesh functionality.

Sidecars for Service Mesh

Use of sidecar proxies to implement service mesh features like traffic management and security in Kubernetes.

SigNoz

Open-source application performance monitoring and observability platform for microservices and Kubernetes environments.

Skaffold

Tool facilitating continuous development for Kubernetes applications, handling building, pushing, and deploying application code.

Skaffold for Local Kubernetes Development

Use of Skaffold to streamline the development workflow for Kubernetes applications in local environments.

Snyk Container Security

Platform providing vulnerability scanning and security management for container images and Kubernetes deployments.

Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

Approach to network management enabling dynamic, programmatically efficient network configuration in container environments.

Source-to-Image (S2I)

Tool and workflow for building reproducible container images from source code, simplifying the build process.

Spinnaker

Open-source, multi-cloud continuous delivery platform for releasing software changes with high velocity and confidence.

Splunk for Containers

Integration of Splunk's data platform with containerized environments for logging, monitoring, and analysis.

StackRox Kubernetes Security Platform

Security platform providing vulnerability management, compliance, and runtime protection for Kubernetes.

Stateful Applications in Containers

Containerized applications that maintain data or state, requiring special considerations for persistence and scaling.

StatefulSet

Kubernetes workload API object used to manage stateful applications, providing unique network identities and stable storage.

StatefulSet Patterns

Design patterns for deploying and managing stateful applications in Kubernetes using StatefulSets.

Static Pods

Pods managed directly by the kubelet on a specific node, without the API server observing them.

Static Provisioning

Process of pre-creating storage resources in Kubernetes before they are claimed by persistent volume claims.

Static Token File

File-based method for providing authentication tokens to the Kubernetes API server, useful for bootstrap authentication.

Status Subresource

Kubernetes API feature allowing updates to an object's status without modifying its spec, enabling more granular updates.

Storage Capacity Tracking

Kubernetes feature for making scheduling decisions based on the available storage capacity of nodes.

Storage Classes

Kubernetes objects defining different classes of storage with varying performance characteristics or policies.

StorageClass

Kubernetes object describing the "classes" of storage offered by the administrator, used for dynamic provisioning.

StorageOS

Software-defined storage for cloud-native applications, providing persistent storage for containers.

Strangler Fig Pattern for Modernization

Incremental approach to modernizing legacy applications by gradually replacing components with microservices.

Streaming Protocols

Network protocols optimized for real-time data transmission in containerized environments.

SubPath

Kubernetes volume feature allowing mounting a specific directory of a volume instead of its root.

Submariner for Multi-cluster Networking

Open-source project enabling direct networking between pods and services across Kubernetes clusters.

Subresources

Kubernetes API feature representing sub-components of a resource, allowing more granular access control and operations.

SuperEdge

Open-source container management system for edge computing, extending Kubernetes to manage edge nodes efficiently.

Sysdig Secure for Runtime Protection

Security platform providing real-time threat detection and response for containerized environments.

TUF (The Update Framework) for Secure Updates

Specification for securing software update systems, applicable to container image distribution.

Taints

Kubernetes node attributes that repel certain pods from scheduling unless they have matching tolerations.

Taints and Tolerations

Kubernetes mechanism for controlling which pods can be scheduled on specific nodes, enabling node specialization.

Tekton

Cloud-native CI/CD framework for Kubernetes, providing custom resources for defining pipelines and tasks.

Tekton Pipelines

Kubernetes-native CI/CD solution using custom resources to define pipelines as a series of tasks.

Telepresence for Local Development

Tool allowing developers to run a single service locally while connecting to a remote Kubernetes cluster.

Tenable.io Container Security

Platform providing vulnerability management and compliance monitoring for container images and registries.

Tenant Isolation

Techniques for separating and securing resources belonging to different users or groups in multi-tenant Kubernetes clusters.

Terrascan for Kubernetes Security Scanning

Open-source tool for static code analysis of Infrastructure as Code, including Kubernetes manifests.

Thanos

Open-source project extending Prometheus for long-term storage and global query view in large-scale deployments.

Thanos for Long-Term Storage

Use of Thanos to provide durable storage and global query capability for Prometheus metrics.

Throttling Pattern

Technique for limiting the rate at which a containerized service processes requests to prevent overload.

Tilt for Microservices Development

Development environment as code for teams building Kubernetes microservices, streamlining local development.

Timeout Configuration

Settings controlling the maximum duration for various operations in containerized applications and infrastructure.

Tolerations

Kubernetes pod specifications that allow (but do not require) pods to be scheduled on nodes with matching taints.

Topology Manager

Kubernetes feature coordinating resource allocation decisions to provide topology-aligned resource allocations.

Traffic Mirroring

Technique of duplicating live traffic to a separate service instance for testing or debugging purposes.

Traffic Shifting

Gradual redirection of traffic from one version of a service to another, often used in canary deployments.

Traffic Splitting

Distribution of incoming requests across multiple versions of a service, enabling advanced deployment strategies.

Trivy for Vulnerability Scanning

Open-source security scanner for containers and other artifacts, finding vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.

Twelve-Factor App Methodology

Set of best practices for building software-as-a-service apps that can be easily deployed to the cloud.

Twistlock

Container security platform providing vulnerability management, compliance, and runtime protection (now part of Prisma Cloud).

Twistlock (now Prisma Cloud)

Comprehensive cloud-native security platform for containers, serverless, and cloud environments.

Underlay Networks

Physical network infrastructure upon which overlay networks for container communication are built.

Unikernels as Container Alternatives

Specialized, single-purpose machine images offering potential advantages in size and security over containers.

Union File System

Filesystem service for Linux allowing files and directories of separate filesystems to be overlaid, forming a single coherent filesystem.

User Impersonation

Kubernetes feature allowing a user to act as another user, useful for debugging and testing access controls.

User Namespaces

Linux kernel feature providing per-process isolated instances of user and group ID number spaces.

VXLAN

Network virtualization technology used in container networking for creating overlay networks.

VXLAN Overlay Networks

Virtual networks using VXLAN encapsulation to enable container communication across hosts.

Valet Key Pattern for Secure Resource Access

Design pattern for providing clients with restricted direct access to a specific resource or service.

Validating Webhooks

Admission controller webhooks in Kubernetes that validate resource requests without modifying them.

Validation Webhooks

Kubernetes admission control mechanism for validating API requests against custom logic before persistence.

Velero for Backup and Restore

Open-source tool for backing up and restoring Kubernetes cluster resources and persistent volumes.

Version Skew Policy

Guidelines defining supported version differences between Kubernetes components to ensure compatibility.

Vertical Pod Autoscaler

Kubernetes component that automatically adjusts the CPU and memory reservations for pods to optimize resource utilization.

Vertical Pod Autoscaler Metrics

Resource utilization data used by VPA to make decisions on adjusting pod resource allocations.