Disaster Relief Coordination System Project Plan

Vocabulary flashcards covering key technologies, features, and concepts from the Disaster Relief Coordination System project plan.

Disaster Relief Coordination System

A web-based platform that connects people in need with available resources and volunteers during emergencies.

Full-stack Web Application

Software that includes both frontend (client-side) and backend (server-side) components working together.

Frontend

The part of a web app users see and interact with, built here using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and later React.js.

Backend

Server-side logic and data processing of an application, implemented in this project with Python and Flask.

Database

Structured data storage; starts with SQLite in development and upgrades to PostgreSQL in production.

Deployment

Publishing an application to a live server, such as Heroku or Netlify, so users can access it online.

Version Control

A system (Git, GitHub) that tracks code changes and enables collaboration among developers.

Affected Individuals

End-users who report urgent needs (food, water, shelter, medical aid) during a disaster.

Volunteers

Users who offer time or skills to fulfill reported needs in the coordination system.

Organizations

Groups that list bulk resources or coordinate large-scale relief efforts on the platform.

Need Reporting System

Feature allowing affected users to submit what they require, with location and urgency levels.

Resource Listing System

Interface for volunteers or organizations to advertise available supplies, quantities, and locations.

Matching Algorithm

Logic that pairs reported needs with suitable resources based on type, quantity, and proximity.

Dashboard

User interface showing matches, statistics, and map visualizations of needs and resources.

Geolocation API

Browser feature that captures a user’s current latitude and longitude for location tracking.

User Authentication

Process of registering, logging in, and verifying users securely with hashed passwords.

Role-Based Access Control

Permission system that grants different capabilities to affected users, volunteers, and organizations.

HTML

Markup language that structures web content and semantic elements.

CSS

Style sheet language used to design layouts, colors, and responsive interfaces.

JavaScript

Programming language that adds interactivity, form validation, and API requests to web pages.

React.js

JavaScript library for building component-based, dynamic user interfaces.

Python

General-purpose programming language used for backend logic in Flask.

Flask

Lightweight Python web framework for routing, templating, and API creation.

SQLite

File-based relational database ideal for development and quick prototyping.

PostgreSQL

Robust, production-grade relational database used after deployment.

Heroku

Cloud platform that hosts and scales web applications using simple Git-based workflows.

Netlify

Hosting service favored for static sites and serverless functions, suitable for frontends.

Git

Distributed version-control system for managing source code history.

GitHub

Online repository hosting service that enables collaboration and continuous deployment.

MVC Architecture

Software pattern separating code into Models, Views, and Controllers for maintainability.

Flask-SQLAlchemy

Flask extension that offers ORM capabilities for interacting with SQL databases.

Flask-Login

Extension that simplifies user session management and login handling in Flask apps.

bcrypt

Hashing algorithm used to securely store user passwords.

WebSockets

Protocol enabling real-time, bidirectional communication between client and server.

Server-Sent Events

Technique where servers push updates to the browser over HTTP for live data feeds.

Chart.js

JavaScript library for creating responsive charts and graphs in web apps.

D3.js

Powerful JavaScript library for complex, data-driven visualizations.

pytest

Python testing framework used for writing unit and integration tests.

Jest

JavaScript testing framework commonly used for React and frontend codebases.

Continuous Deployment

Automated release process that publishes new code to production after each push.

DevOps

Cultural and technical practices combining development and operations for faster delivery.

Cloud Platform

Remote infrastructure (e.g., Heroku) that hosts applications and scales resources on demand.

Responsive Design

Technique ensuring a website adapts its layout to different screen sizes and devices.

Mobile-first Design

Approach that designs for small screens first, then enhances for larger displays.

Progressive Enhancement

Strategy that builds core functionality first and adds advanced features when conditions allow.

Unit Test

Automated test verifying the smallest pieces of code, like individual functions.

Integration Test

Test confirming that multiple components or systems interact correctly together.

Automated Testing

Practice of running scripted tests to ensure code quality and catch regressions early.

Database Indexing

Technique that speeds up query performance by creating fast lookup references on columns.

Caching

Storing frequently accessed data temporarily to improve application performance.

Wireframe

Basic visual guide illustrating page structure and layout before detailed design.

Mockup

Static, high-fidelity representation showing color schemes, typography, and final UI look.

Algorithm Design

Process of creating step-by-step logic (e.g., matching) to solve computational problems.

Real-time Communication

Instant information exchange (via WebSockets/SSE) that updates users without page reloads.

Technical Documentation

Written materials explaining setup, architecture, APIs, and usage of a software project.

Portfolio Presentation

Curated showcase of a project’s purpose, features, challenges, and impact for employers.