Web Glossary
The following terms are listed in alphabetical order
Access (Microsoft Access)
A database system developed by Microsoft. Part of Microsoft Office Professional Edition. Primarily used for running low-traffic web sites on Windows platforms.
ActiveMovie
A control introduced by Microsoft for multimedia program design.
ActiveX
Allows web browsers to download and execute Windows Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). (See also Plug-in)
Address
See URL.
AdSense
A web advertising system provided by Google.
AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML)
The "art" of creating interactive web applications using JavaScript and XML. With AJAX, web applications can exchange data with a web server in the background (asynchronously) and update parts of a webpage without reloading the entire page.
Learn more about AJAX in our AJAX tutorial
Anchor
In web terms: the starting or ending point of a hyperlink.
Learn more about links in our HTML tutorial
Adobe Air
An Adobe Integrated Runtime (AIR) system that enables developers to use web technologies (HTML, JAVASCRIPT, FLASH) to create desktop applications.
Android
A mobile operating system developed by Android Inc., later acquired by Google.
Anonymous FTP
See FTP Server.
ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
An organization that creates standards for the computer industry. Responsible for the ANSI C standard.
ANSI C
The international standard for the C programming language.
ADO (ActiveX Data Object)
Microsoft's technology for accessing any type of data store, providing data access.
Learn more about ADO in our ADO tutorial
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line)
A special type of DSL line where upload and download speeds are different.
Agent
See Search Agent/Search Engine.
Amaya
An open-source web browser and editor from W3C, used to promote leading ideas in browser design.
Animation
A series of images played in sequence to simulate motion.
Antivirus Program
A computer program that detects and destroys various types of computer viruses.
Apache
An open-source web server. Mostly used on Unix, Linux, and Solaris platforms.
Applet
See Web Applet.
Archie
A computer program to locate files on public FTP servers.
API (Application Programming Interface)
An interface that allows one program to communicate with another. In web terms: an interface that allows web browsers or web servers to communicate with other programs. (See also ActiveX, Plug-in)
ARPAnet
A network test experiment that began in the 1970s during the development of the internet.
Authentication
In web terms: the method used to verify a user's identity on a network or in a computer program.
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)
128 alphanumeric and special control characters used for computer storage and printing of text. Data transmitted via HTML on the web.
See the complete list of ASCII codes in our HTML reference
ASF (Advanced Streaming Format)
A multimedia data stream format developed by Microsoft's Windows Media.
ASP (Active Server Pages)
A Microsoft technology that enables server-executable scripts to be inserted into web pages.
Learn more about ASP in our ASP tutorial
ASX (ASF Streaming Redirector)
An XML format for storing information about ASF files. Developed by Microsoft's Windows Media.
AVI (Audio Video Interleave)
A file format for video files. Developed by Microsoft with video compression technology.
Banner Ad
(Most commonly graphic) advertisements placed on web pages that act as hyperlinks to the advertiser's website.
Bandwidth
The speed (amount of data) that can be sent through your Internet connection. More bandwidth means a faster connection.
Baud
The number of symbols sent per second on a channel.
BBS (Bulletin Board System)
A web-based public sharing system for discussions, files, and announcements.
Binary Data
Data in a machine-readable form.
Bit (Binary Digit) The smallest unit of data stored in a computer. A bit has a value of 0 or 1. A computer uses 8 bits to store a text character.
Blog (Web Log)
A type of website (usually maintained by an individual) where logs or comments (often personal) express opinions, describe events, etc.
Blogger
A person who maintains or writes content for a web log (blog).
Blogging
The act of writing or adding content to a web log (blog).
BMP (Bitmap)
A format used for storing images.
Bookmark
In web terms: a stored link to a specific website (bookmark) for future use, allowing web users to easily access it.
Bounce Rate
The proportion of website visitors who view only one page before leaving (bouncing).
Browse
The term used to describe a web user's movement through hyperlinks, moving from one page to another using a web browser. (See Web Browser)
BPS (Bits Per Second)
A term used to describe the speed of data transmission over the internet.
Browser
See Web Browser.
Byte (Binary Term)
A unit of computer storage that contains 8 bits. Each byte can store one text character.
C
An advanced programming language used for advanced computer application programming.
C++ (C Plus Plus)
An extension of C with added object-oriented features.
C# (C Sharp)
Microsoft's version of C++ with added functionalities similar to Java.
Case Sensitive
Used to describe the sensitivity to uppercase or lowercase letters.
Cache
In web terms: a copy of a web page stored on a web browser or web server's hard drive.
Chat
Text-based communication between internet users online.
CGI (Common Gateway Interface)
The rules describing how a CGI program communicates with a web server.
CGI Bin
The folder (or directory) on a web server where CGI program files are stored.
CGI Program
A small program that processes input and output from a web server. CGI programs are commonly used for handling form inputs or database queries.
Cinepac
A computer video codec.
Client
See Web Client.
Client/Server
In web terms: the communication that involves workload separation between the web client and web server.
Click
In web terms: a mouse click on a hyperlink element (such as text or an image) on a web page, creating an event such as navigating to another page or accessing another part of the same page.
Clickthrough Rate
The proportion of visitors who click on a hyperlink (or advertisement) on a page out of the total number of times the page has been displayed.
Cloud Computing
Storing applications and data on the internet (rather than on the user's computer).
Codec (Compressor / Decompressor)
A general term for technologies used in data compression and decompression.
Communication Protocol
Standards (a language and set of rules) that allow computers to interact in a standardized way. Examples include IP, FTP, and HTTP.
Learn more about communication protocols in our TCP/IP tutorial
Compression
A method to reduce the size of web documents or graphics for faster delivery over the network.
Computer Virus
A computer program that can potentially harm the system, display messages, delete files, or even destroy the computer's operating system.
Cookie
Information stored by a web server in a web browser on your computer. Cookies are used to provide information about your visits to the website for subsequent use by the server.
ColdFusion
Web development software for most platforms (LINUX, UNIX, Solaris, and Windows).
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
A W3C-recommended language for defining the style (such as font, size, color, spacing, etc.) of web documents.
Learn more about CSS in our CSS tutorial
Database
A way of storing data in a computer such that a program can easily retrieve and manipulate the data.
Learn more about databases in our SQL tutorial
Database System
A computer program that manipulates data in a database (such as MS ACCESS, Oracle, and MySQL).
DB2
An IBM database system, mostly used on Unix and Solaris platforms.
DBA (Data Base Administrator)
A person (or software) who manages databases. Typical tasks include backup, maintenance, and execution.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
An internet standard protocol for assigning new IP addresses to users.
DHTML (Dynamic HTML)
A term commonly used to describe HTML content that can change dynamically.
Dial-up Connection
In web terms: a connection to the internet via a telephone line and modem. Discussion Group
Please refer to Newsgroup.
DNS (Domain Name Service)
A computer program that runs on a web server to translate domain names into IP addresses.
Learn more about DNS in our Virtual Hosting Tutorial
DNS Server
A web server that performs DNS.
DOM (Document Object Model)
A programming model for web page objects. (See HTML DOM and XML DOM)
Domain Name
An identifier name for a website. (e.g., tutorialpro.org)
Learn more about domains in our Virtual Hosting Tutorial
DOS (Disk Operating System)
A general-purpose disk-based computer operating system (see Operating System). Initially developed for IBM personal computers by Microsoft. Commonly abbreviated as MS-DOS.
Download
Transferring files from a remote computer to a local computer. In web terms: A web client transfers files from a web server. (Also see Upload)
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
A broadband access technology based on ordinary telephone lines.
DTD (Document Type Definition)
A set of rules defining the legal building blocks of web files like HTML or XML (a language).
Learn more about DTD in our DTD Tutorial
Dynamic IP
An IP address that changes each time you connect to the internet. (See DHCP and Static IP)
E-mail (Electronic Mail)
A message sent from one person to another via the internet.
E-mail Address
An address used to send an email to an individual or organization. The typical format is username@hostname.
E-mail Server
A web server dedicated to handling email services.
Encryption
Converting data from its original form into an encrypted form that can only be read by someone who can reverse the encryption. The purpose of encryption is to prevent unauthorized reading of data.
Error
See Web Server Error.
Ethernet
A type of local area network (see LAN).
Firewall
Software that acts as a security filter, allowing the restriction of certain types of network communication. Most commonly used between personal computers (or LANs) and the internet.
Flash
A vector-based multimedia format used on the web, developed by Adobe.
Form
See HTML Form.
Forum
In web terms: Same as Newsgroup.
Frame
In web terms: A part of the screen in a browser displaying specific content. Frames are often used to display different web content.
FrontPage
Web development software for the Windows platform, developed by Microsoft.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
One of the most common methods for sending files between two computers.
FTP Server
A web server where you can log in and download files (or upload files to). Anonymous FTP is a method for downloading files from an FTP server without using a login account.
Gateway
A computer program that transfers (formats) data between incompatible applications or networks.
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)
A compressed image storage format developed by CompuServe. One of the most common image formats on the internet.
GB
Gigabyte, a unit of computer storage.
Gigabyte
1024 megabytes. Often rounded down to 1 billion bytes.
Graphics
In web terms: Introducing pictures (as opposed to text).
Graphic Monitor
A display screen capable of showing graphics.
Graphic Printer
A printer capable of printing graphics.
Graphical Banner
See Banner Ad.
Helper Application
In web terms: A program that helps the browser display, view, or work with content that the browser itself cannot handle. (See Plugin)
Hits
The number of times web objects (web pages or images) have been viewed or downloaded. (See Page Clicks)
Home Page
The top-level (main) page of a website. The default page displayed when you visit a website.
Host
See Web Host.
Hosting
See Virtual Hosting.
Hotlink
See Hyperlink.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
HTML is the language of the web. HTML is a markup language used to define the content, layout, and format of web documents. Web browsers use HTML tags to determine how to display text.
Learn more about HTML in our HTML Tutorial
HTML Document
A document written in HTML. HTML DOM (HTML Document Object Model)
An interface for programming HTML documents.
Learn more about HTML DOM in our HTML DOM tutorial
HTML Editor
A software program for editing HTML pages. With an HTML editor, you can add elements like lists, tables, layouts, font sizes, and colors to HTML documents, similar to using a word processor. It displays the content being edited on the web page (WYSIWYG).
HTML Form
A format for user input to be passed back to the server.
Learn more about HTML forms in our HTML tutorial
HTML Page
An HTML file.
HTML Tags
Codes that identify different parts of a document, allowing web browsers to know how to display the content.
Learn more about HTML tags in our HTML tutorial
HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol)
The standard rules for sending text files over the Internet. It requires an HTTP client program at one end and an HTTP server program at the other.
HTTP Client
A computer program that requests services from a web server.
HTTP Server
A computer program that provides services from a web server.
HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure)
The same as HTTP but provides secure Internet communication with SSL. (See also SSL)
Hyperlink
A text string in a web page that links to another web page.
Hypermedia
An extension of hypertext that includes graphics and audio.
Hypertext
Cross-linked text that allows readers to read related documents by clicking on a highlighted word or symbol. (See also Hyperlink)
IAB (Internet Architecture Board)
A council for Internet standard decisions. (See also W3C)
IE (Internet Explorer)
See Internet Explorer.
IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force)
A group focused on solving technical issues on the Internet, under the IAB.
IIS (Internet Information Server)
A web server for Windows operating systems, developed by Microsoft.
IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)
A standard communication protocol for retrieving emails from an email server. IMAP is similar to POP but more advanced.
Learn more about IMAP in our TCP/IP tutorial
Indeo
A computer video codec developed by Intel.
Internet
A worldwide network connecting millions of computers. (See also World Wide Web)
Internet Browser
See Web Browser.
Internet Explorer
Microsoft's browser, the most commonly used browser.
Learn more about browsers in our browser section
Internet Server
See Web Server.
Intranet
A private (closed) Internet within an internal LAN (Local Area Network).
IP (Internet Protocol)
See TCP/IP Protocol.
IP Address (Internet Protocol Address)
A unique identification number for each computer on the Internet (e.g., 197.123.22.240).
IP Number (Internet Protocol Number)
An IP address.
IP Packet
See TCP/IP Packet.
IRC (Internet Relay Chat)
An Internet system that allows users to discuss topics online.
IRC Client
A computer program that enables users to connect to IRC.
IRC Server
An Internet server dedicated to providing IRC connection services.
ISAPI (Internet Server API)
Internet Information Server Application Programming Interface (API). (See IIS)
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)
A telecommunications standard that uses digital transmission to support data communication over regular telephone lines.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
Provides access to the Internet and website hosting.
Java
A programming language developed by Sun, mostly used for programming web servers and web applets. Java Applet
Please refer to the applet on the webpage.
JavaScript
The most popular scripting language on the internet developed by Netscape.
Learn more about JavaScript in our JavaScript tutorial.
JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group)
Intended to promote the storage of compressed images in JPG and JPEG graphic formats.
JPEG and JPG
Graphic formats for storing compressed images.
JScript
Microsoft's version of JavaScript.
JSP (Java Server Pages)
A technology based on Java that allows server-executable scripts to be inserted into web pages. Primarily used on Linux, Unix, and Solaris platforms.
K
Kilobyte. 10K is also ten kilobytes.
KB
Kilobyte. 10K is also ten kilobytes.
Keyword
In web terms: A word used by search engines to search for relevant web information. In database terminology: A word (or index) used to identify records in a database.
Kilobyte
1024 bytes. Often referred to as 1K, rounded down to 1000 bytes.
LAN (Local Area Network)
A network between computers in a local area (such as within a building), typically connected by local cables. See also Wide Area Network.
Link
Same as hyperlink.
Linux
An open-source computer operating system based on UNIX. Primarily used for servers and web servers.
In web terms: Same as email.
Mail Server
See email server.
MB
Same as megabyte. 10MB is 10 megabytes.
Megabyte
1024 kilobytes. Often rounded down to one million bytes.
Meta Data
Data that describes other data. (meta tags).
Meta Search
A method of searching for metadata within files.
Meta Tags
Tags inserted into a document to describe the file.
Learn more about meta tags in our HTML tutorial.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)
A standard protocol for communication between computers and musical instruments.
Learn more about MIDI in our media tutorial.
MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions)
An Internet standard that defines document types. Examples of MIME types: text/plain, text/html, image/gif, image/jpg.
Learn more about MIME in our media tutorial.
MIME Types
Defined according to MIME file types.
Modem
A hardware device that connects a computer to a telephone network, typically used to connect to the internet via telephone lines.
Mosaic
The first widely used web browser. Mosaic was released in 1993 and helped popularize the Web.
MOV
A computer video codec developed by Apple. The common file extension for QuickTime multimedia files.
MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3)
An audio compression format designed for easy downloading on the internet.
MP3 File
A file containing audio compressed in MP3 format. Commonly used for music tracks.
MPEG (Moving Picture Expert Group)
An ISO standard for computer audio and video codecs.
MPG
The common file extension for MPEG files.
MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System)
A popular disk-based computer operating system (OS). Initially developed by Microsoft for IBM computers, it later became the foundation for the first versions of Windows developed by Microsoft.
Multimedia
In web terms: A presentation that combines text with images, video, or sound.
MySQL
A free, open-source database software frequently used on the web.
NetBEUI (Net Bios Extended User Interface)
An enhanced version of NetBIOS.
NetBIOS (Network Basic Input Output System)
An application programming interface (API) for LAN functionality. Used with DOS and Windows.
Navigate
In web terms: Same as browse.
Netscape
The company behind the Netscape browser. It was the most popular browser for many years. Today, it is surpassed by IE.
Learn more about browsers in our browser section.
Newsgroup
An online discussion group (section on a news server) dedicated to a particular topic of interest.
News Reader A computer program that can read (and POST messages) from Internet newsgroups.
News Server
A dedicated Internet server for providing newsgroup services.
Node
In terms of connected networks on the internet: a computer, most frequently used to describe a web server.
Opera
A browser from the Norwegian company Opera Software ASA.
Learn more about browsers in our browser section
OS (Operating System)
The basic operations of a computer that manage software.
Packet
See TCP/IP packet.
Page Hits
The number of times a webpage is accessed by users.
Page Impressions
The same as hits.
Page Views
The same as hits.
PDF (Portable Document Format)
A document file format developed by Adobe. The most commonly used text file.
Perl (Practical Extraction and Reporting Language)
A scripting language for web servers. Most commonly used on UNIX servers.
PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor)
A technology that allows insertion of server-executable scripts into web pages. Mostly used on Unix, Linux, and Solaris platforms.
Learn more about PHP in our PHP tutorial
Ping
A method used to check communication between two computers. A "ping" is sent to a remote computer to see if it responds.
Platform
In terms of networking: the operating system of a computer, such as Windows, Linux, or OS X.
Plug-In
An application built into another application. In terms of networking: a special type of program (or add-on) built into web browsers to handle data like email, sound, or movie files. (Also see ActiveX)
PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
An image file storage format intended to replace GIF and TIFF file formats, adding some features not present in GIF.
POP (Post Office Protocol)
A standard communication protocol for retrieving email from an email server. (Also see IMAP).
Learn more about POP and IMAP in our TCP/IP tutorial
Port
An identifier for an I/O (input/output) channel of a computer. In terms of networking: an identifier for the I/O channel used by an Internet application (Web servers typically use port 80).
Protocol
See communication protocol.
PPP (Point to Point Protocol)
A communication protocol for direct connections between two computers.
Proxy Server
An Internet server dedicated to improving internet performance.
QuickTime
A multimedia file format created by Apple Inc.
Learn more about QuickTime in our media tutorial
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)
A standard that connects multiple disks in a server for higher security, speed, and performance. Commonly used on web servers.
RDF (Resource Description Framework)
A language for constructing frameworks to describe web resources.
Learn more about RDF in our RDF tutorial
Real Audio
A common multimedia audio format created by Real Networks.
Learn more about Real Audio in our media tutorial
Real Video
A common multimedia video format created by Real Networks.
Learn more about Real Video in our media tutorial
Redirect
In terms of networking: an action where a webpage automatically forwards (redirects) a user to another webpage.
RGB (Red Green Blue)
A combination of the three primary colors that can represent the full spectrum of color.
Learn more about RGB in our HTML tutorial
Robot
See web robot.
Router
A hardware (or software) system that directs data transmission between computer networks.
Schema
See XML Schema.
Script
A collection of statements written in a scripting language.
Scripting Language
In terms of networking: a simple programming language that can be executed by a web browser or web server. See JavaScript and VBScript.
Scripting
Writing a script. Search Agent
Same as search engine.
Search Engine
A computer program used to search and catalog (index) millions of web pages to provide information found on the web. Common search engines include Google and AltaVista.
Semantic Web
The meaning of a website, in the sense that computer programs can understand enough data to process it.
Server
See Web Server.
Server Errors
Refer to Web Server Errors.
Shareware
Software that you can try for free and pay a certain fee to continue using legally.
Shockwave
A format (technology) developed by Adobe for embedding multimedia content in web pages.
SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language)
An international standard for markup languages. The basis for HTML and XML.
SMIL (Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language)
A W3C-recommended language for creating multimedia presentations.
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
A standard communication protocol for sending emails between computers.
Learn more about SMTP in our TCP/IP tutorial.
SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol)
A standard protocol that allows applications to communicate with each other using XML.
Learn more about SOAP in our SOAP tutorial.
Solaris
A computer operating system from Sun.
SPAM
In web terms: the act of sending multiple unwanted emails to newsgroups or mailing lists.
Spider
See Web Spider.
Spoofing
Addressing of web pages or fake referral emails. Like sending emails with fake addresses.
Spyware
Computer software hidden on a computer with the purpose of using the computer to collect information.
SQL (Structured Query Language)
An ANSI standard computer language for accessing and manipulating databases.
Learn more about SQL in our SQL tutorial.
SQL Server
A database system from Microsoft. Primarily used for high-traffic websites running on Windows platforms.
SSI (Server Side Include)
An HTML comment type inserted into web pages to instruct the web server to generate dynamic content. Commonly used to include standard headers or footers on pages.
SSL (Secure Socket Layer)
Software that provides security and protects website communications by encrypting data transmission.
Static IP (address)
A static IP, as opposed to a dynamic IP.
Streaming
A method where users can view files being transmitted while sending video and audio files over the internet.
Streaming Format
File formats used for streaming media over the internet. (See Windows Media, Real Video, and QuickTime.)
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)
A W3C-recommended language for defining graphics in XML.
Learn more about SVG in our SVG tutorial.
Tag
In web terms: a written notice or command entry in a web page file. (See HTML Tags)
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
See TCP/IP Protocol.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol)
A set of internet communication protocols between two computers. The TCP protocol ensures a free connection between two computers, while the IP protocol is responsible for sending data packets over the network.
Learn more about TCP/IP in our TCP/IP tutorial.
TCP/IP Address
See IP Address.
TCP/IP Packet
A "packet" of data transmitted over a TCP/IP network. (Data sent over the internet is divided into small "packets" ranging from 40 to 32000 bytes long.)
Trojan Horse
A computer program hidden within another program with the purpose of damaging a computer or using it to collect information.
UDDI (Universal Description Discovery and Integration)
A platform-independent framework for describing services, exploring businesses, and integrating business services using the internet.
Learn more about UDDI in our WSDL tutorial.
Unix
A computer operating system developed by Bell Labs. Mostly used for servers and web servers.
UNZIP
To decompress a compressed file. See zip.
Upload Transferring files from a local computer to a remote computer. In networking: files transferred from a web client to a web server. (See Download).
URI (Uniform Resource Identifier)
Used to identify resources on the internet. URL is a type of URI.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
Web address. The standard way to locate web pages on the internet (e.g., http://www.tutorialpro.org/).
USENET
A worldwide news system accessible via the internet. (See Newsgroup).
User Agent
Same as a web browser.
VB (Visual Basic)
See Visual Basic.
VBScript
A scripting language from Microsoft. VBScript is the default scripting language in ASP and can also be used in Internet Explorer.
Learn more about VBScript in our VBScript tutorial.
Virus
Same as a computer virus.
Visit
In networking: an access to a website. Often used to describe the activities of a visitor to a web site.
Visitor
In networking: a visitor to a web site. Often used to describe a person visiting a web site (viewing).
Visual Basic
A programming language from Microsoft.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A private network between two remote sites, connected through a secure, encrypted virtual internet connection (tunnel).
VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language)
A programming language that allows 3D effects to be added to HTML documents.
W3C (World Wide Web Consortium)
The organization that manages standards for the WWW.
Learn more about W3C in our W3C tutorial.
WAN (Wide Area Network)
A network of computers connected over a wide area, larger than a LAN, usually connected via telephone lines. See also LAN.
WAP (Wireless Application Protocol)
An old standard for information services on digital mobile phones and other wireless terminals.
Web Address
Same as a URL or URI. See Address.
Web Applet
A program that can be downloaded over the web and run on the user's computer. Most often written in Java.
Web Client
A software program used to access web pages. Sometimes the same as a web browser, but often used as a broader term.
Web Browser
A software program used to display web pages.
Learn more about browsers in our browser section.
Web Document
A file format propagated over the web. The most common web files are markup languages like HTML or XML.
Web Error
See Web Server Error.
Web Form
See HTML Form.
Web Host
A web server, such as a company or individual, that provides website space for "hosting" web services.
Web Hosting
The action of providing web hosting services.
Web Page
A file intended for distribution via the web (usually an HTML file).
Web Log
See Blog.
Web Robot
See Web Spider.
Web Server
A server that provides services or information to other computers. In networking: a server that provides web content to web browsers.
Web Server Error
An error message from a web server. The most common web server error is "404 File Not Found".
Learn more about web server error messages in our HTML tutorial.
Web Services
Software components and applications running on a web server. The server provides these services to other computers, browsers, or individuals using standard communication protocols.
Web Site
A collection of web pages belonging to a company or individual.
Web Spider
A computer program that searches web pages. Common web spiders index pages for search engines like Google. Web spiders are also known as web robots or wanderers.
Web Wanderer
See Web Spider.
Wildcard
A character used to represent any character(s). Most commonly used as an asterisk (*) in search tools.
Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 95/98, Windows XP
Computer operating systems from Microsoft.
Windows Media
Audio and video formats developed by Microsoft for the internet. (See ASF, ASX, WMA, and WMF). WINZIP
A computer program for compressing and decompressing files. See zip.
WMA
An audio file format for the Internet, developed by Microsoft. (See WMV).
Learn more about media formats in our media tutorial.
WMV
A video file format for the Internet, developed by Microsoft. (See WMA).
Learn more about media formats in our media tutorial.
WML (Wireless Markup Language)
An old standard for wireless terminals, digital mobile phones, inherited from HTML but based on XML, much stricter than HTML for information services.
WML Script
A scripting language (programming language) for WML.
Worm
A computer virus that can make copies of itself and spread to other computers via the Internet.
WSDL (Web Services Description Language)
An XML-based language for describing Web services and how to access them.
Learn more about WSDL in our WSDL tutorial.
WWW (World Wide Web)
A global network of computers using the Internet for communication with Web documents. (See Internet)
WWW Server
Same as Web Server.
WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get)
In web terms: to display the webpage being edited exactly as it will appear on the webpage.
XForms
An alternative version of HTML forms, based on XML and XHTML. Different from HTML forms by separating data definition and data display. Provides richer, more device-independent user input.
XHTML (Extensible Hypertext Markup Language)
A reformulation of HTML in XML format. Developed by W3C.
Learn more about XHTML in our XHTML tutorial.
XPath
A syntax for defining parts of an XML document. XPath is an important part of the W3C's XSL standard.
Learn more about XPath in our XPath tutorial.
XQuery
A syntax for extracting information from XML documents. XQuery is based on XPath. Developed by W3C.
Learn more about XQuery in our XQuery tutorial.
XML (Extensible Markup Language)
A Web file developed by W3C, designed as a simplified version of SGML.
Learn more about XML in our XML tutorial.
XML Document
A file written in XML.
Learn more about XML in our XML tutorial.
XML DOM (XML Document Object Model)
A programming interface for XML documents, developed by W3C.
Learn more about XML DOM in our XML DOM tutorial.
XMLHttpRequest
A programming interface (object) supported by all modern web browsers for JavaScript, used to exchange data between a web browser and a web server behind the scenes (AJAX).
Learn more about XMLHttp in our AJAX tutorial.
XML Schema
XML Schema is based on the XML language and is used as an alternative to DTD. XML schema files describe the structure of XML documents.
Learn more about XML Schema in our XML Schema tutorial.
XSD (XML Schema Definition)
Roughly the same as XML Schema.
XSL (Extensible Stylesheet Language)
A set of XML languages developed by W3C, including XSLT, XSL-FO, and XPath.
Learn more about XSL in our XSL tutorial.
XSL-FO (XSL Formatting Objects)
An XML language for formatting XML documents. Part of W3C's XSL.
Learn more about XSL-FO in our XSL-FO tutorial.
XSLT (XSL Transformations) XML language for transforming XML documents. Part of the W3C XSL.
Learn more about XSLT in our XSLT tutorial
ZIP
A file compression format on computers. Commonly used for compressing files. ZIP files can be compressed (zipped) and decompressed using computer programs like WinZip.