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com/blog/mobile-app-development-terminology

A Complete Glossary of the

Most Important Mobile
Development Terms and Jargon
to Know
BLOG | Software Development

Review our complete mobile app glossary below:

3D Touch
Apple introduced 3D or haptic touch sensitivity. Users can activate the feature by varying
the degrees of pressure on the device or the speed of the haptic touch on the phone.
Apple announced the new feature when they launched iPhone 6.

A/B Testing
Developers can experiment with various application iterations to determine which
variables result in positive user behavior. For instance, they can test multiple buttons,
CTAs, icons, fonts, or copy to determine which elements perform best.

Accelerometer
Accelerometers for mobile devices detect orientation to adjust the screen based on
whether it is vertical or horizontal.

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Adaptive layout
An adaptive layout will adjust to fit across devices, including phones, tablets, or desktops.
A responsive design is crucial to deliver a consistent experience regardless of the device.

Agile Software Development

Agile software development adheres to the Agile Manifesto and the 12 Principles.
Developers aim to build software iteratively, utilize weekly sprints, divide projects into
modules, and emphasize collaboration.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

AWS provides a variety of services and products for developers. The cloud computing
platform offers infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and
packaged software as a service (SaaS) for businesses to store data, manage content, and
much more.

Android
Google created Android as an alternative mobile operating system to Apple’s iOS. It is free
and open-source software. The source code is known as Android Open Source Project
(AOSP). Android and iOS are the two largest mobile operating systems across the globe.

Application Programming Interface (API)

APIs using set rules and specifications to foster interaction between software
components. APIs provide building blocks for faster mobile development. iOS and other
operating systems offer APIs to help facilitate mobile development without creating
complex components from scratch.

Android Package (APK)

An APK is a file format on Android that is used to deliver mobile apps. It can be written in
Java or Kotlin. Developers can store APK files using Android or Visual studio. The files
contain program codes, resources, certificates, and more.

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App Provisioning
App provisioning encompasses the mobile app development lifecycle, including preparing,
delivering, and managing mobile apps within a specific endpoint system.

Appcache
Developers can use an application cache (appcache) to specify which files should be
cached or available offline.

Arrangement Mode
On iOS devices, users can hold an app icon for a couple of seconds to activate
arrangement mode. The icons will begin to jiggle, and users can rearrange icons on their
iOS home screen or dashboard.

Asynchronous JavaScript (AJAX)

AJAX allows developers to create fast and interactive web apps that combine JavaScript,
HTML, and XML. AJAZ supports data exchange and asynchronous updates to web pages.
Users can update parts of a web page without reloading the entire page for elevated user
experience.

Backend Development
Backend development is the server-side of an app. Users can not view the backend of an
application, but the backend code is what communicates information between the server,
application, and database.

Badges
Badges are the notifications or warnings that alert users to unread messages, notifications,
emails, and other information.

Beta
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The Beta version of an app is the pre-release, testing version of an application. Developers
will examine features during the beta phase, fix bugs, and make final changes before
deploying the application.

Blacklist
IT can protect end-users from running distracting or dangerous apps by listing them on a
mobile app blacklist, preventing end-users from using specific apps on their network.

Bluetooth
Bluetooth is wireless technology that uses frequency hopping spread spectrum
technology to exchange information. Users can connect headphones, speakers, and other
devices to their mobile phone for wireless communication.

Bugs
Bugs are defects, issues, or unintended behaviors in a mobile application. Developers will
perform code reviews and change requests to identify bugs and fix them before launching
the application.

Business-to-Customer (B2C)
A B2C app targets an average consumer.

Business-to-Business (B2B)
A B2B targets businesses rather than a typical consumer.

Business-to-Employee (B2E)
Enterprises typically use a B2E app for internal company use, such as displaying company
announcements, managing benefits, etc.

Cascading Style Sheet (CSS)

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CSS is the design language that determines the visual structure of your mobile app.
Developers can combine HTML and JavaScript with their CSS.

Content Management System (CMS)

A CMS is a platform used to add, remove, edit, and manage content on a website or app.
For instance, if you have a blog section on your website, the CMS is where you would
create a new article, make any edits to existing content, or remove pages entirely.

Control Center
The control center allows mobile users to access standard app settings, such as Airplane
Mode, Bluetooth connection, volume, and phone brightness.

Corner Case
A corner case is a unique and unexpected action performed by a user inside your app. For
instance, if someone registered on your app using an email address that doesn’t end in a
typical address, such as .com, .net, or .org.

Customer Data Platform (CDP)

A CDP is a software platform that serves as a comprehensive hub to collect and organize
user information. Using CDP, marketers can segment and create customer profiles based
on specific audiences.

Domain Name Service (DNS)

A DNS translates domain names to IP addresses. For instance, “codesmithdev.com” may
have an IP address that looks like ​192.168.1.1. Ip addresses are easier to interpret for
computers.

Don’t Repeat Yourself (DRY)

DRY is a development principle that aims to reduce the amount of code written in an app.
Less code is typically seen as better, as you’ll have fewer corner cases to test for. When a

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project is DRY, developers write functions to be simple so an app can reuse those pieces
in multiple areas.

Edge Case
An edge case is a user who pushes the capabilities of a mobile application and availability
features. Edge cases may expose or create bugs or crashes for your application.

Emulator
An emulator is used to duplicate your application, including hardware, operating systems,
and functionality, to run tests.

Epic
An epic refers to a large project created using agile development.

Fork
Developers can take an open-source software program and take the source code to
develop a new program. Forking allows developers to take the application into different
branches while storing data in a central place (repository).

Fragmentation
Fragmentation occurs when users run multiple versions of an application. Running both old
and new versions can lead to security concerns. It is especially problematic with Android
applications because of the open-source nature of the operating system.

Front End
The front end is the face of an application and is considered the portion of the application
that users see and touch.

Gestures
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Gestures are the finger actions users perform to utilize their touch screen devices,
including pinching, flicking, or scrolling.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

The GUI consists of the pictures, buttons, images, windows, and other widgets users
interact with on mobile apps.

Graphics Interchange Format (GIF)

A GIF is an animated image or just an image file that can feature animated or moveable
elements.

Gyroscope
An instrument that measures the orientation of a mobile device.

Haptics/Haptic Feedback
Haptic technology or kinaesthetic communication is any technology that gives a tactile
response. A typical example is a phone vibration to alert a user of a phone notification.

Home Screen
The home screen is the main screen that shows users the primary apps on their mobile
phones.

HTML5
HTML5 is the fifth version of Hypertext Markup Language, giving developers everything
they need to design without additional plugins or software.

Human Interface Guidelines (HIG)

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HIG is the standard rules developers and designers follow to create apps that properly
function and meet user expectations.

Hybrid App Development

Hybrid app development allows developers to create apps that run across multiple
operating systems, including iOS and Android.

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)

HTML is the coded language used to create web pages, including JavaScript and CSS.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

HTTP is the protocol used to find HTML documents and facilitate data exchange. Users
load pages using hypertext links, and HTTP is the application layer protocol that transfers
information.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)

HTTPS is a secure version of a Hypertext Transfer Protocol.

iCloud
Apple offers iCloud as cloud storage and cloud computing service for users, automatically
storing data across devices, such as photos, files, notes, and passwords.

iMessage
iMessage is Apple’s text message service. Mac OS X and iOS users can send SMS-style
text messages for free.

In-App Purchase (IAP)

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Users can purchase consumable and non-consumable IAPs to access features, game
items, and other in-app upgrades.

Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

Developers use IDE to build apps. IDEs contain tools to write, debug, and automate
applications.

Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT is the network of physical devices connecting and exchanging data over the internet,
including electronics, software, and sensors.

iOS
iOS is the Apple operating system that supports iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices.
Developers typically use Swift or Objective-C languages to create iOS apps.

IP Address
An IP Address is the number assigned to any device connected to the Internet to provide
network interface identification and location addressing.

Jailbreaking
Jailbreaking a mobile device removes restrictions and locks so users can install apps not
approved or available in the App Store.

JavaScript (JS)
JavaScript is a programming language that allows developers to use complex features on
web pages, such as interactive maps, animated 2D/3D graphics, and scrolling videos.

JavaScript Object Notation (JSON)

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JSON is a lightweight data-interchange format originally derived from the JavaScript

language. However, JSON is a language-independent data format.

Kotlin
Kotlin is a modern programming language used to create Android applications.

LAMP = Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP

LAMP is an acronym that describes four technologies commonly used to create backend
networks. Linux is the operating system, Apache is the web server, MySQL is the database,
and PHP is the language used to create web pages.

Material Design
Material Design is the set of standards apps use to provide a consistent interface on
Android.

Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

An MVP is a version of your application that is ready to use. Developers will continue to
add new features and fix any issues, but an MVP is used to take your app to market.

Mobile App
A mobile application is intended for smartphones for small, wireless devices. A mobile
application can also have compatible versions for desktops, tablets, and other devices.

Mobile application development platform (MADP)

A MADP is a development tool developers use to create hybrid and native apps using a
single codebase but compatible with multiple mobile platforms.

Mobile Backend as a Service (MBAAS)

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A MBAAS connects mobile applications to cloud databases so users can manage

notifications and social integrations. Mobile data allows users to get online when away
from Wi-Fi through mobile cellular carriers.

Mobile Interaction Design

Mobile interactive design aims to satisfy user needs while using a mobile application. It
focuses on the user experience.

Mobile Middleware
Mobile middleware allows secure communication between cloud-based and on-premise
applications.

Mobile OS
An operating system designed specifically to run on mobile devices.

Mockups
Mockups are used during the development process to show end users what an app will
look like and incorporate practical functionality. Developers often create software UI
mockups with realistic bitmaps and semi-functional user interfaces.

Multimodal Interface
A multimodal interface uses multiple interfaces for data input and output so users can
utilize a variety of data entry points, such as Siri or chatbots.

Native App Development

Native app development is intended to run on only one specific platform versus hybrid
apps designed to run on multiple platforms (Android and iOS). Developers can build
features exclusive for one platform for an elevated user experience.

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Native Bridge
An abstraction layer that gives a non-application access to mobile device APIs.

Native Packager
Native packagers allow developers to build apps in native formats across different
archetypes, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Native Wrapper
Native wrappers are components that allow for native distribution for non-native apps.

Near-Field Communications (NFC)

NFC supports Card Emulation, Reader/Writer, and Peer-to-Peer to allow two devices in
close proximity to communicate with each other.

Objective-C
Objective-C is a coding language used to write iOS applications.

Open Graph
Facebook created Open Graph to show metadata for web pages on social media
platforms.

Open Source
Open Source is software that anyone can inspect or modify the source code.

Operating System (OS)

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An Operating System is where developers can create an application. It acts as a buffer

between hardware and software components of any given device. Examples of mobile
operating systems are iOS and Android.

PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor

PHP is a backend coding language. It is an open-source scripting language ideal for web
development and easy to embed into HTML.

Portable Network Graphics (PNG)

PNGs are graphics that support lossless data compression. They are an ideal image format
for the internet.

Push Notification
A push notification is an alert or message sent to mobile users even if the application is
not open. Messages are displayed on the device even when locked.

Progressive Web App (PWA)

PWAs are a subset of Hybrid Apps which can be saved to a phone for offline use. It can
use native capabilities such as geolocation or push notifications. They can be used on any
device with a modern browser.

Quality Assurance (QA)

Quality Assurance (QA) is the process of intensely auditing, monitoring, and evaluating an
application to ensure it meets project requirements, standards, and functionality. QA
Specialists will focus on the user experience, identify and fix bugs, and other general
maintenance tasks.

Real-Time Data
Information that is delivered immediately after collecting it without any delay.

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Responsive Layout
Responsive layout is a development approach to ensure applications are rendered and
usable across various devices and layouts.

Ruby on Rails (RoR)

RoR is a full-stack, model-view-controller (MVC) development framework used to create
front and backend applications. It encourages using web standards such as JSON or XML.
It’s ideal for speeding up development and making code easier to understand.

Scrum
A scrum is a team meeting where developers and other members discuss goals and
organize milestones to reach for an app development project.

Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML)

A common XML-based open data format for authentication.

Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA)

An SOA is used to create reusable software components and service interfaces to work as
a complete system with shared functionality.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO is the process to increase website searched presence in organic search via technical
and content-driven efforts. SEO is essential to drive relevant traffic based on keyword
searches that align with your website services.

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

SSL is a technical procedure that allows browsers and apps to communicate securely with
backends using a cryptographic protocol.

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Sideload
Sideloading is the process of transferring apps from web sources that are not vendor-
approved. Sideloading is utilized to run beta tests of applications not available in the app
store.

Simple Message Service (SMS)

A text messaging service component of a phone using standardized communication
protocols to send short text messages.

Siri
Siri is the voice-assistant technology available on iOS devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and
Desktop computers.

Software as a Service (SAAS)

SAAS delivers software applications through the internet as a service so users do not have
to maintain and store complex software and hardware. SaaS is also synonymous with web-
based software, on-demand software, or hosted software.

Software Development Kit (SDK)

SDK is a programming package that allows developers to create an app using a collection
of programming tools, such as APIs.

Spotlight Search
Spotlight Search is a quick way for iOS users to find documents, contacts, music files and
access other shortcuts.

Sprints
Sprints are a way for development teams to block out projects into manageable
workloads, ranging from one, two, or three weeks at a time.
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Staging
Staging is where developers can test and change elements of their app without worrying
about messing up the live version.

Stand-Ups
Stand-ups are brief, daily meetings for development teams to discuss what they are
working on and resolve potential issues impeding progress.

Stickiness
Stickiness are strategies and elements that prompt users to stay active on an application
for longer periods of time.

Structured Query Language (SQL)

SQL is used on the backend of an application so developers can interact with the
database, such as MySQL or Postgres.

Test-Driven Development (TDD)

TDD is a short development cycle to create test cases and pass them. Developers use a
TDD approach to perform repetitive unit testing on source code.

Unique Device Identifier (UDID)

Each mobile device has a unique, one-of-a-kind UDID assigned by the mobile device
manufacturer.

User Experience (UX)

UX encompasses how users interact with an application, including feeling, reacting, or
perceiving. UX testing is essential to evaluate how users will experience your application
from practicality and ease of use perspective.

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User Interface (UI)

UI are the design elements of a mobile app that the end user directly interacts with. It is an
essential part of mobile app development since it determines UX and user satisfaction.

Versions
Versions are the final products of an application released to users. They encompass user
stories feedback, and each different version of an app is adapted for iOS updates or to
deploy new features.

Viewport
Viewport is the section of a web page in view and tells the browser how to render a web
page through a specific HTML meta tag.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

VPN allows users to connect to a private local area network using a public network. For
instance, employees of a company can access a corporate internet network outside of the
office.

Webview
A view that displays web pages within an application.

Web Application
A web application is application software that runs on a web server and is accessed
through a web browser.

Wi-fi
A wireless local area network allows smartphones, computers, and other devices to
connect to the internet.

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Wireframes
Wireframes are outlines that show graphical and functional elements of an app so
developers can show the functions, structure, and content of an application.

Worldwide Web Consortium

The main international standards organization for the World Wide Web, developing
common web language specifications such as HTML5 and XML.

Write Once, Run Anywhere (WORA)

A description of a program’s ability to run on all operating systems.

Xcode
Mac OS X software development environment. A program distributed for free by Apple
that enables users to create Mac OS X and iOS software.

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