The Essential Technical Glossary for Non-Technical Founders

As a non-technical founder, grasping key technical concepts is crucial for collaborating with your development team, making informed decisions, and steering your product to success. Not to mention, ensuring your technical team is doing the right and essential things, and nothing more. This comprehensive, easy-to-understand glossary uses analogies to help you navigate essential technical terms, empowering you to better manage the development of your digital product.

1. A/B Testing

A/B testing involves comparing two versions of a webpage or app feature to determine which performs better. By showing different versions to different user segments, you can make data-driven decisions to enhance design and functionality based on actual user behavior.

• Analogy: Think of A/B testing like trying two different store layouts to see which one leads to more sales.

2. AI and Machine Learning (AI/ML)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) enable systems to learn from data and improve over time without explicit programming. Incorporating AI/ML can offer competitive advantages through automation, personalization, and predictive analytics.

• Analogy: AI/ML are like teaching a car to drive itself by learning from countless driving experiences.

3. AI Token

An AI token is a unit of data that represents a fragment of text used by AI models to process and generate language. Tokens can be whole words or parts of words. Understanding tokens is important when using AI services, as costs and performance are often measured per token.

• Analogy: Think of AI tokens like individual letters or words in a book; they are the basic units that the AI reads and writes.

4. AI Training

AI training involves feeding large amounts of data to an AI model so it can learn patterns, make predictions, or perform tasks. Training is essential for improving the model’s performance and accuracy.

• Analogy: AI training is like teaching a child by giving them many examples and practice problems so they can learn how to solve them on their own.

5. Agile Methodology

Agile is an iterative approach to software development focusing on collaboration, customer feedback, and small, rapid releases. It allows teams to respond quickly to changes and deliver high-quality products efficiently.

• Analogy: Agile is like steering a ship while constantly adjusting course based on the weather and sea conditions.

6. API (Application Programming Interface)

APIs allow different software applications to communicate with each other. Whether integrating a payment processor like Stripe or connecting to social platforms, APIs enable systems to share data and functionality in a structured way, essential for modern digital products.

• Analogy: An API is like a waiter taking your order to the kitchen and bringing your food back—it’s the messenger between you and the chef.

7. BaaS (Backend-as-a-Service)

BaaS provides backend services like databases, user authentication, and cloud storage without needing to build infrastructure. Services like 8base, Supabase, Firebase, or AWS Amplify handle backend operations, enabling faster development by allowing developers to focus on frontend functionality.

• Analogy: BaaS is like renting a fully equipped kitchen so you can focus on being a chef without worrying about buying appliances.

8. Business Intelligence (BI) and Data Analytics

BI and data analytics involve analyzing data to extract actionable insights that inform strategic decisions. Tools like Tableau or Power BI help visualize data trends, crucial for growth and optimization.

• Analogy: BI is like reading a detailed report about your store’s sales to decide what products to stock more.

9. Caching

Caching stores frequently accessed data in memory for faster retrieval. By reducing the need to repeatedly access the database or compute the same results, caching significantly improves application performance and reduces load times.

• Analogy: Caching is like keeping frequently used spices on the counter instead of fetching them from the pantry every time.

10. CDN (Content Delivery Network)

A CDN is a network of distributed servers that deliver web content to users based on their geographic location. Using a CDN reduces latency and improves load times, enhancing user experience globally.

• Analogy: A CDN is like having multiple warehouses around the world to deliver products faster to local customers.

11. CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment)

CI/CD automates code testing, integration, and deployment. Continuous Integration ensures that new code integrates smoothly with existing code, while Continuous Deployment automates the process of releasing updates after testing. This helps deliver updates faster and with fewer errors.

• Analogy: CI/CD is like a bakery assembly line that continuously bakes, checks quality, and stocks fresh bread on shelves.

12. Cloud Computing

Cloud computing delivers computing resources such as storage, processing power, and databases over the internet. Providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure allow businesses to scale quickly without managing physical hardware.

• Analogy: Cloud computing is like using electricity from the grid instead of running your own generator.

13. Cloud Provider

Cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure offer on-demand computing services. These platforms manage your infrastructure, allowing you to focus on product development while ensuring that your app scales efficiently.

• Analogy: A cloud provider is like a utility company supplying electricity and water to your home.

14. Compliance and Data Privacy (e.g., GDPR, CCPA)

Regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) govern how user data must be handled. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines, making it essential to understand these laws.

• Analogy: Compliance is like following health regulations in a restaurant to avoid fines and keep customers safe.

15. Containerization

Containerization involves packaging an application and its dependencies into a “container” that can run consistently across different environments. Tools like Docker ensure that applications work the same on a developer’s machine, in testing, and in the cloud, improving reliability and scalability.

• Analogy: Containerization is like packing all the ingredients and tools needed for a dish into one box, so you can cook it anywhere.

16. Continuous Monitoring

Continuous monitoring involves real-time tracking of an application’s performance and security. Tools like New Relic or Datadog help in proactively identifying issues before they impact users.

• Analogy: Continuous monitoring is like having security cameras that watch your store 24/7 to alert you of any issues.

17. DevOps

DevOps integrates development (Dev) and operations (Ops) to streamline and automate the software development lifecycle. It emphasizes collaboration, automation, and continuous feedback to enable faster development and reliable deployments.

• Analogy: DevOps is like having chefs and waitstaff work closely together to ensure customers get their meals quickly and efficiently.

18. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity

This involves planning and implementing strategies to recover from unexpected events like data breaches or system failures. Having a disaster recovery plan minimizes downtime and maintains business operations during crises.

• Analogy: Disaster recovery is like having insurance and backup plans in case your store floods, so you can reopen quickly.

19. Edge Computing

Edge computing processes data closer to where it is generated (e.g., at the edge of the network) rather than relying on a central server. This reduces latency and improves performance, especially for real-time applications like IoT and streaming.

• Analogy: Edge computing is like preparing food at a local food truck instead of a central kitchen to serve customers faster.

20. Fine-Tuning

Fine-tuning is the process of taking a pre-trained AI model and training it further on a specific dataset to perform specialized tasks. This allows you to customize a general AI model to better suit your specific needs without training a new model from scratch.

• Analogy: Fine-tuning is like tailoring a generic suit to fit you perfectly, making adjustments so it meets your exact measurements.

21. Framework

A framework provides a foundation for building applications. Examples include React.js for frontend development and Node.js for backend development. Frameworks handle common tasks like routing and state management, allowing developers to focus on the unique aspects of the application.

• Analogy: A framework is like the foundation and blueprint for building a house, providing structure and guidelines.

22. Front-End Hosting Provider

Front-end hosting providers like Netlify, Vercel, or Firebase Hosting deploy and host static websites or web apps. They automate the deployment process, provide version control, and allow for easy collaboration, simplifying the management of frontend projects.

• Analogy: A front-end hosting provider is like a gallery that displays your artwork to the public, handling the setup and maintenance.

23. GitHub

GitHub is a platform for version control and collaboration that uses Git. It enables developers to track code changes, collaborate on projects, and maintain a history of revisions. It’s essential for teams working on shared codebases.

• Analogy: GitHub is like a collaborative workspace where writers can track changes to a document and revert to previous versions.

24. GraphQL

GraphQL is a modern API query language that allows clients to request specific data from a server. It reduces the amount of data transferred and improves performance, making it highly efficient for applications that handle complex data relationships.

• Analogy: GraphQL is like ordering exactly the toppings you want on a pizza, rather than picking off unwanted ingredients.

25. Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

IaC automates the management and provisioning of computing infrastructure through machine-readable configuration files rather than manual processes. Tools like Terraform enable developers to deploy and manage infrastructure consistently and reliably, making scaling and replication easier.

• Analogy: IaC is like having a recipe that not only lists ingredients but also automates the cooking process.

26. Kubernetes

Kubernetes is a platform for automating the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. It orchestrates multiple containers across different environments, ensuring that applications scale efficiently and remain available even under heavy load.

• Analogy: Kubernetes is like a conductor managing an orchestra, ensuring all musicians play in harmony.

27. Latency

Latency is the time delay between a user action and the system’s response. Lower latency means faster response times, which is crucial for real-time applications such as video streaming or gaming. Minimizing latency improves user experience.

• Analogy: Latency is like the delay between flipping a light switch and the light turning on.

28. LLM (Large Language Model)

A Large Language Model is an AI model trained on vast amounts of text data to understand and generate human-like language. Models like GPT-4 can perform a variety of language tasks, such as writing, translating, and summarizing.

• Analogy: An LLM is like a highly educated person who has read millions of books and can generate responses or write essays on various topics.

29. Load Balancing

Load balancing distributes incoming network traffic across multiple servers to ensure no single server is overwhelmed. This ensures high availability and reliability, preventing bottlenecks and ensuring consistent performance.

• Analogy: Load balancing is like opening more checkout lanes in a store to serve customers faster.

30. Low-Code Platforms

Low-code platforms enable professional developers to build applications faster by using visual interfaces and pre-built components, requiring minimal hand-coding. They speed up development while allowing for customization when needed.

• Analogy: Low-code is like assembling furniture with pre-made parts but still allowing you to add custom touches.

31. Micro Frontends

Similar to microservices but for frontend development, micro frontends break down a web application into smaller, manageable pieces. This approach allows teams to work independently on different parts of the frontend, improving scalability and maintainability.

• Analogy: Micro frontends are like different food stalls in a food court, each specializing in a specific cuisine.

32. Microservices Architecture

Microservices architecture divides an application into smaller, independent services that communicate with each other. Each service performs a specific function, such as user authentication or payment processing. This design allows for greater flexibility, scalability, and maintainability.

• Analogy: Microservices are like a fleet of small boats instead of a single large ship, each handling specific cargo.

33. Mobile-First Development

Mobile-first development prioritizes designing for mobile devices before adapting the design for larger screens. As mobile usage continues to grow, ensuring your product works seamlessly on smartphones is essential for delivering a great user experience.

• Analogy: Mobile-first development is like designing a billboard to be readable from a distance before adding more details.

34. Monolithic Architecture

In a monolithic architecture, all parts of an application are built into a single codebase. While simple to build initially, monolithic applications become harder to scale and maintain as they grow, leading many businesses to move toward microservices for greater flexibility.

• Analogy: A monolithic architecture is like a one-stop-shop where everything is under one roof.

35. MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

An MVP is a product with just enough features to satisfy early customers and provide feedback for future development. It helps in testing the market quickly without significant investment, allowing for iterative improvements.

• Analogy: An MVP is like opening a food truck to test your recipes before investing in a full restaurant.

36. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA is a security process that requires users to provide two or more verification methods to access an account. This added layer of security is crucial for protecting sensitive data and preventing unauthorized access.

• Analogy: MFA is like needing both a key and a fingerprint scan to unlock a door.

37. Multi-Tenant Architecture

In a multi-tenant architecture, multiple customers share the same instance of the software application and infrastructure, with logical separation of data to ensure privacy and security. This model is highly scalable and cost-effective because resources are pooled and utilized more efficiently.

• Analogy: Multi-tenant architecture is like an apartment building where multiple families live under one roof but have separate units.

38. No-Code Platforms

No-code platforms allow users (citizen developers) to build applications without any coding by using drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built components. They enable non-developers to create apps quickly but may have limitations in customization and scalability.

• Analogy: No-code is like assembling a meal kit where all ingredients are pre-measured and you just combine them.

39. NoSQL Databases

NoSQL databases like MongoDB and Cassandra store unstructured data, offering flexibility and scalability for large-scale applications. They are suitable for handling big data and real-time web applications.

• Analogy: NoSQL databases are like flexible storage bins that can hold items of any shape and size.

40. OAuth

OAuth is an open standard for access delegation that allows third-party services to access user information without exposing passwords. For example, OAuth enables users to log into an app using their Google or Facebook accounts securely.

• Analogy: OAuth is like giving a valet the valet key that only allows them to drive the car but not access the trunk.

41. Open Source Software

Open-source software has source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance. Leveraging open source can reduce costs and foster innovation through community collaboration.

• Analogy: Open source software is like a community garden where everyone can plant, cultivate, and harvest.

42. PaaS (Platform as a Service)

PaaS provides a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and manage applications without dealing with the underlying infrastructure. Services like Heroku and Google App Engine streamline application development.

• Analogy: PaaS is like renting a commercial kitchen that’s fully equipped so you can focus on cooking.

43. PWA (Progressive Web Application)

PWAs provide a mobile app-like experience through a web browser. They can be installed on a device’s home screen, work offline, and send push notifications. PWAs are a cost-effective way to deliver app-like functionality without developing separate native apps.

Analogy: A PWA is like a food truck that brings gourmet meals to you without needing a full restaurant.

44. RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation)

Retrieval-Augmented Generation combines AI language models with external data sources to produce more accurate and up-to-date information. The model retrieves relevant information from databases or documents and uses it to generate responses.

• Analogy: RAG is like a student who, before answering a question, looks up the latest information in textbooks to provide a more accurate answer.

45. RBAC (Role-Based Access Control)

RBAC is a security model where users are granted permissions based on their role in the organization. This ensures data and system security by controlling who can access specific parts of the product.

• Analogy: RBAC is like different staff badges in a company that grant varying levels of building access.

46. REST (Representational State Transfer)

REST is a standard architecture for building APIs. It allows different systems to communicate over the web using HTTP. RESTful APIs use defined endpoints to enable operations such as reading or updating data from a remote server.

• Analogy: REST is like a postal service that uses standard addresses and protocols to deliver mail.

47. Reverse Proxy

A reverse proxy is a server that sits between client devices and backend servers, handling client requests on behalf of the backend. Reverse proxies help improve security, load balancing, and performance.

• Analogy: A reverse proxy is like a receptionist who directs visitors to the appropriate department without exposing the inner workings.

48. SaaS (Software as a Service)

SaaS delivers software applications over the internet on a subscription basis. Understanding SaaS is crucial for founders considering software delivery models, cost structures, and scalability.

• Analogy: SaaS is like subscribing to a streaming service instead of buying movies outright.

49. Scalability

Scalability refers to the ability of a system or application to handle increasing amounts of work or users. A scalable system can grow in capacity without compromising performance.

• Analogy: Scalability is like being able to add more seats in a theater as more people buy tickets.

50. SDK (Software Development Kit)

An SDK is a collection of software tools and libraries that developers use to create applications for specific platforms or frameworks. SDKs facilitate integration with services like payment gateways or social media platforms.

• Analogy: An SDK is like a toolkit full of pre-made parts and instructions for building a piece of furniture.

51. Serverless Computing

Serverless computing allows developers to write and run code without managing the underlying infrastructure. Cloud providers handle provisioning, scaling, and maintenance, so developers only need to write the application logic.

• Analogy: Serverless computing is like ordering a meal where you only pay for what you eat, not the whole kitchen.

52. Sharding

Sharding is a technique for partitioning data across multiple databases or servers to improve performance and capacity. Each shard contains a subset of the data, allowing systems to distribute workload efficiently.

• Analogy: Sharding is like splitting a large crowd into smaller groups to enter through multiple doors, reducing wait time.

53. Single-Tenant Architecture

In a single-tenant architecture, each customer has their own dedicated instance of the software application and supporting infrastructure. This provides enhanced security and greater customization possibilities but can be more expensive and less scalable.

• Analogy: Single-tenant architecture is like owning a standalone house, providing privacy and customization.

54. SLA (Service-Level Agreement)

An SLA is a contract between a service provider and a customer that defines the level of service expected. It may specify uptime guarantees, response times, and support availability, ensuring that customers can rely on the service.

• Analogy: An SLA is like a warranty that guarantees certain levels of product performance.

55. SPA (Single-Page Application)

SPAs load a single HTML page and dynamically update content as the user interacts with the app, instead of reloading entire pages from the server. SPAs offer fast, smooth user experiences similar to native apps.

• Analogy: An SPA is like a stage set that changes scenes without closing the curtain, providing a seamless experience.

56. SQL Databases

SQL databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL) store data in structured tables using predefined schemas. They are ideal for applications requiring transactional integrity and complex queries.

• Analogy: SQL databases are like organized filing cabinets where everything has a specific place and label.

57. SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer / Transport Layer Security)

SSL and TLS are encryption protocols that secure communications between users and servers, ensuring that sensitive data is transmitted securely. Implementing SSL/TLS is essential for protecting user data and building trust.

• Analogy: SSL/TLS is like sealing a letter in an envelope so only the recipient can read it.

58. Technical Debt

Technical debt refers to the implied cost of additional rework caused by choosing an easy or quick solution now rather than a better, more sustainable approach. Accumulating technical debt can slow down future development.

• Analogy: Technical debt is like fixing a leaky roof with tape; it works for now but causes bigger problems later.

59. Test-Driven Development (TDD)

TDD is a software development approach where tests are written before code. This ensures that the codebase is continually tested, reducing bugs and improving software quality from the outset.

• Analogy: TDD is like checking each ingredient before adding it to a recipe to ensure the final dish turns out well.

60. UI/UX Design

User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design focus on the aesthetics and usability of a product. Good UI/UX design enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty by improving the overall interaction with the product.

• Analogy: UI/UX design is like the layout and ambiance of a store that makes shopping enjoyable.

61. Vector Databases

Vector databases store and retrieve complex multidimensional data, like that used in AI models or machine learning algorithms. They handle unstructured data such as images or audio files, making them essential in AI-driven applications.

• Analogy: Vector databases are like advanced filing systems that can find similar images or documents based on content.

62. Version Control (Git)

Git is a version control system that tracks changes in source code during development. It allows multiple developers to collaborate on the same codebase without overwriting each other’s work and provides a history of changes.

• Analogy: Version control is like tracking changes in a document with the ability to revert to any previous draft.

63. Virtual Private Cloud (VPC)

A VPC is a private cloud hosted within a public cloud provider’s infrastructure, allowing for greater security and control. It isolates your application from other users in the cloud, providing dedicated resources.

• Analogy: A VPC is like a gated community within a city, offering added security and exclusivity.

64. VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN extends a private network across a public network, allowing users to send and receive data securely. VPNs are essential for protecting sensitive data, especially when accessing networks remotely.

• Analogy: A VPN is like a secure tunnel through a mountain that keeps your journey hidden from others.

65. Web Accessibility

Web accessibility ensures that websites and applications are usable by people with disabilities. Compliance with standards like WCAG is not only ethical but can also expand your user base.

• Analogy: Web accessibility is like installing ramps and elevators so everyone can access a building.

66. Webhooks

Webhooks are automated messages sent between applications when specific events occur. For example, when a user makes a purchase on your website, a webhook can notify your CRM system in real-time.

• Analogy: Webhooks are like a subscription service that notifies you when a new magazine issue is out.

67. WebSockets

WebSockets create a persistent, two-way communication channel between a server and a client, allowing real-time data exchange. This technology is essential for apps requiring live interactions.

• Analogy: WebSockets are like a phone call where both parties can speak and listen simultaneously.

Mastering Tech Concepts as a Non-Technical Founder

Whether you’re building a SaaS platform, mobile app, or any other digital solution, this glossary provides a strong foundation for navigating technical discussions confidently.

By understanding these essential technical terms and concepts—now with helpful analogies—you’re equipping yourself with knowledge to lead your team more effectively, communicate your vision clearly, and make decisions that propel your product forward.

About Archie Labs

At Archie Labs, we help companies of all sizes build cutting-edge digital products. Our AI-driven approach accelerates design, planning and development – resulting in reduced timelines and costs while increasing product quality dramatically. Our services:

• Pre-Development: Product design and planning using our proprietary Archie Idea-to-Application Platform.
• Custom Development: Tailor solutions to meet your unique business needs developed through a combination of AI and humans at lighting speed.
• Staffing: LATAM-based software development talent at affordable prices for high-growth organizations.
• AI Integration: Incorporate intelligent features using the latest AI technologies, including LLMs and AI agents.
• Consulting: Provide strategic guidance on technology decisions and best practices.

Let us partner with you to navigate the SaaS landscape and turn your vision into a leading solution.