The App Developer Dictionary

The App Developer Dictionary

1. Which are some key terms?

   • program, app, mobile operating system, programming/coding, programming language, Integrated Development Environment (IDE), Graphical User Interface (GUI)

2. program

   • as a verb...
     • the process of developing software
   • as a noun...
     • the actual software (on a computer) that allows for a specific function or task; the instructions for the computer
   • found as a list of binary numbers (0´s and 1´s)

3. app

   • computer software (or program), a small specific one that can be installed and downloaded all at once
   • most common use is on mobile devices (nowadays)

4. mobile operating system (OS)

   • basically the backbone for the apps on a mobile device
   • a set of data and platforms that runs on a mobile device (a platform for apps)
   • responsible for things like:
     • internet connectivity
     • bluetooth
     • texting
     • picture-taking

5. programming/ coding

   • human-written instructions that show a computer how to do a certain task
   • it can be a very creative process in which
     • humans achieve tasks they couldn´t have done without computers
     • humans complete certain tasks a lot faster than they would have done otherwise
   • uses numbers and text

6. programming language

   • a set of instructions in which humans interact with computers
   • uses limited keywords and code to establish a ¨language¨ between man and machine
   • some examples
     • Python
     • Swift
     • C++
     • Delphi
     • Javascript

7. Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

   • allows coders to unite the different aspects of writing computer programs
   • increases programmer productivity
   • consolidates activities like editing source code, debugging, and building executables into a single app

8. Graphical User Interface (GUI)

   • a computer program that allows a person to interact with a computer or device
     • How does it do this?
       • Through the use of symbols, visual metaphors, and pointing devices
     • makes computer operation natural and aesthetically pleasing

9. Sources

   • (1)Definitions, P., & Hope, C. (2019). What is a Program?. Retrieved 18 September 2019, from https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/p/program.htm (2)What is an App? - Definition from Techopedia. Retrieved 18 September 2019, from https://www.techopedia.com/definition/28104/app (3)Hendricks, B. (2019). Retrieved 18 September 2019, from https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-mobile-operating-system-features-types.html (4)Levy, S. Graphical user interface | computing. Retrieved 18 September 2019, from https://www.britannica.com/technology/graphical-user-interface (5)Nader, Y. What is Programming Language? [Beginner's Guide]. Retrieved 19 September 2019, from https://hackr.io/blog/what-is-programming-language (6) Bolton, D. (2019). What Is Computer Programming and What Do Programs Do?. Retrieved 19 September 2019, from https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-programming-958331(7) What Is an IDE? | Codecademy. (2018). Retrieved 19 September 2019, from https://www.codecademy.com/articles/what-is-a