Our gobbledygook translator

We hope you find the website glossary useful.

API (Application Programming Interface):

A method that allows different software systems to communicate with each other. APIs are commonly used to connect websites to services such as payment gateways, booking systems, or email marketing tools.

Backend:

The behind‑the‑scenes area of a website where content, data, and technical functionality are managed. This includes the database, server configuration, and administrative tools.

Backup:

A copy of the website’s files and database stored separately so the site can be restored if something goes wrong. Backups are essential for security and disaster recovery.

Bandwidth:

The amount of data that can be transferred from one point to another within a given time period (usually per second). Higher bandwidth allows more data to move simultaneously.

Bitmap:

An image made up of tiny coloured squares called pixels. Each pixel can be edited individually, making bitmaps ideal for detailed imagery but less scalable than vector graphics.

Blog:

A regularly updated section of a website featuring articles or posts. While traditionally informal, many business WordPress sites use a blog as a formal news or updates area.

Browser:

The software used to view websites (e.g., Chrome, Safari, Firefox). Different browsers may display websites slightly differently.

Cache:

Temporary storage in your browser or device that holds recently viewed web pages and assets. This speeds up browsing, but sometimes cached content becomes outdated and requires a manual refresh.

CDN (Content Delivery Network):

A network of servers around the world that deliver website content more quickly by serving it from the location closest to the user. CDNs improve speed and reliability.

CMS (Content Management System):

A tool that allows users to manage website content without needing to edit code. Access levels vary from full administrators to contributors who can only edit their own content.

Cookie:

A small file stored in your browser to improve user experience. Essential cookies support core functions such as remembering items in a shopping cart; without them, e‑commerce systems cannot operate correctly.

Core:

The fundamental program code of a system like WordPress. Developers should not modify the core; additional features are added through themes and plugins.

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets):

The code that controls the visual styling of a website, including colours, fonts, spacing, and layout.

Database:

The structured storage system that holds all website content, settings, and user data. WordPress uses a MySQL or MariaDB database.

Dedicated Server:

A physical web server used exclusively by one organisation (e.g., routeToWeb). It is not shared with other customers in the data centre, offering greater performance and control.

Designer:

The person responsible for the visual appearance and user experience of a website, including layout, graphics, and interaction design.

Developer:

The person who builds the technical functionality of a website. Developers turn designs into working features, manage databases, and ensure everything behaves as intended.

DNS (Domain Name System):

The system that directs web browsers to the correct server when someone enters a domain name. DNS also manages email routing and domain verification settings.

Domain Name:

The human‑readable address of a website (e.g., example.com). It is separate from hosting and must be renewed annually.

Frontend:

The public‑facing part of a website — the pages and content that visitors see and interact with.

HTML (HyperText Markup Language):

The foundational code used to structure content on web pages.

Hosting:

The service that stores your website files and makes them accessible on the internet. Hosting quality affects speed, security, and reliability.

JavaScript:

A programming language used to add interactivity and dynamic behaviour to websites, such as animations, form validation, and interactive elements.

Maintenance Plans:

Regular upkeep to ensure a website remains secure, up to date, and backed up. This includes updating software, monitoring performance, and applying security patches.

Plugin:

A software add‑on that extends a website’s functionality without altering the core code. Plugins can add features such as forms, galleries, or e‑commerce tools.

Responsive Design:

A design approach that ensures a website adapts to different screen sizes and devices, such as mobiles, tablets, and desktops.

Screen Reader:

Assistive technology used by people with visual impairments. It converts on‑screen content into speech or braille. Websites must be structured correctly to ensure compatibility.

SSL Certificate (Secure Sockets Layer):

A security certificate that encrypts data between the user’s browser and the server. It enables the padlock icon in the browser and is essential for e‑commerce.

Staging Site:

A private copy of the website used for testing updates, new features, or design changes before they go live.

Theme:

A collection of files that controls the design, layout, and styling of a WordPress website or blog.

Thumbnail:

A small, reduced‑size version of an image, typically used for previews or galleries.

UI (User Interface):

The visual and interactive elements through which a user interacts with a device or website, including menus, buttons, screens, and navigation.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator):

The unique web address used to locate a specific page or resource on the internet.

Uptime:

The percentage of time a website is available online. High‑quality hosting aims for 99.9% uptime or better.

Vector:

Graphics made from scalable shapes rather than pixels. They maintain quality at any size and typically have smaller file sizes because they store only shape and colour information.

Virtual Private Cloud (VPC):

A cloud‑based server environment within a larger cloud infrastructure. It offers scalability and efficiency while maintaining strong data isolation and security.

VPS (Virtual Private Server):

A virtual server created using software on a physical machine. It behaves like a standalone server but shares resources with other VPS instances, often making it a budget‑friendly hosting option.

WooCommerce:

An e‑commerce plugin for WordPress that enables online sales, bookings, and payments. It powers millions of online shops worldwide.

WordPress:

A widely used, free Content Management System for building and managing websites. Its flexibility and blogging features have helped it power over 40% of all websites globally.

Our FAQ section may also help you answers some questions.