10 Website terms to make you sound like a pro
When speaking about websites, we often find that the terms used can be quite confusing and difficult to wrap our heads around. Veronica Wainstein of Penquin has identified 10 need-to-know website terms that will help you sound like a pro.
For a first-timer, deciding to have a website built for your business can be quite exciting and daunting all at once. It’s sort of like having your car fixed – you know something has to be done, and parts are required – but what it all means is beyond comprehension.
Familiarising yourself with how it all works and knowing what your money is paying for is important before you take that first step. Read, memorize and save this list of website terminology, even if it’s just to sound smart around the braai!
Website
A website is a location on the Internet with a collection of online pages that can be accessed via a domain name.
Domain name
This is the address or name of the website. It consists of a second level and a top-level domain, and these are separated by a dot (e.g. LastMinute.Com). The top level reflects the type or location of the website such as .com or .gov for example.
HTML
Hyper Text Markup Language
This is the standard mark-up language for creating web pages, in other words, the structure of the site.
CSS
Cascading Style Sheets show how the HTML will be shown on your screen, here think about the design, colour and layout of the website.
Javascript
This is the programming language used to pull the whole site together.
Web browser
This is the program you use to browse the Internet – such as Internet Explorer or Chrome for example. By typing the URL into the web browser you are able to access the website you are looking for.
Responsive web design
It is important that your website is designed in such a way so as to adapt to the size of the screen it is being viewed on. A fluid layout that automatically adapts to a tablet, mobile or desktop screen is of utmost importance to the user experience.
CMS
The Content Management System allows administrators to edit and add content to the website from anywhere. Usually, clients request this type of website so that they are able to make small changes on their own while the agency will be responsible for the big builds to the site. WordPress is a great example of a CMS-type site.
PHP
This stands for Hypertext Preprocessor and is an open-source scripting language (lines of code) used to develop web applications. PHP is used for the automation of tasks on your website.
HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (you’ve seen this at the beginning of the website address in the browser). This allows the web browsers and servers to exchange data, it basically lets the browser know that whatever content is to follow, is HTTP friendly.
[su_note note_color=”#ffffff” text_color=”#a09c9c”]The views and opinions in this article are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Association.[/su_note]
Penquin is a 360° results-driven agency We offer unique solutions that connect people and make them feel part of something bigger. Experiences are the soul of our creative thinking. They inspire us to tell stories that stir emotions, instil belief, and help you build long-lasting, authentic relationships with your customers.
