programming vocab

non technical descriptions of vocab words to prepare for interviews!!

Recursion

Imagine two mirrors facing each other. They reflect over and over until they’re too small to notice. This is similar since it keeps repeating the same process until it reaches a condition that makes it stop.

Database

A digital filing cabinet. Instead of folders filled with paper, it stores organized information in tables so that it can be searched up and updated quickly.

API

Like a waiter in a restaurant. You tell the waiter what you want, they bring your request to the kitchen, then they return with your food. The waiter doesn’t cook the food, they simply carry the information back and forth.

Server

Like a librarian. You ask for a book, the librarian finds it and hands it back to you. Similarly, this receives the requests, finds requested information, and sends it back.

Cloud Computing

Instead of storing everything on your own computer, it’s like renting a secure storage unit that can be accessed from anywhere.

Algorithm

Just like a recipe gives step by step instructions for baking a cake, this gives step by step instructions for solving a problem.

Function

Like a vending machine, you put something in, press a button, and it gives you a predictable result.

Variable

Like a labeled storage box. You put different things inside of it, but the label stays the same.

Array/List

Imagine a row of mailboxes. Each mailbox has a number, and you can quickly open any mailbox if you know its number.

Stack

Think of plates on top of each other. You add/remove plates from the top.

Queue

Like waiting in like at a coffee shop. The first person in like is the first person served.

Cache

Like keeping your TV remote on the coffee table instead of away. Frequently used items are kept nearby so that they’re faster to access.

Git

Like viewing your version history in Google Docs that keeps track of all if your saves and versions, and multiple people can work on it at the same time without losing each other’s work.

Object-Oriented Programming

Imagine building with legos. Instead of creating every piece from scratch, you have reusable blocks that each know what they are and can do. You can combine those blocks to build larger systems.

Bug

Like a typo in a recipe. The instructions are mostly correct, but one small mistake can cause the final result to come out wrong.

Debugging

Like being a detective. You gather clues, investigate what happened, eliminate possibilities, and eventually find the root cause of the problem.

SQL

Like asking a librarian questions. Instead of searching through every book yourself, you ask the librarian to find all the books by a certain author or tips. This allows us to ask databases to select the specific information needed.

Encryption

Like putting a letting into a locked box. Anyone can see the box, but only someone with the correct key can open it and read what’s inside.

Frontend/Backend

In a restaurant, the dining room and the kitchen.

Microservices

Imagine a shopping mall. Instead of having one store that does everything, you have separate stores specializing in different things.