Glossary

SemBricks glossary of technical terms. Clear definitions of software development, blockchain, trading, and IT concepts.

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What is an API? — An API (Application Programming Interface) allows software systems to communicate. Learn how APIs work and why they matter.
What is a Webhook? — A webhook is an HTTP callback that sends real-time data when an event occurs. Learn how webhooks enable event-driven integrations.
What is a Smart Contract? — A smart contract is self-executing code on a blockchain. It automates agreements without intermediaries. Learn how they work.
What is DeFi? — DeFi (Decentralized Finance) recreates financial services on blockchain. Lending, trading, and yield without traditional banks.
What is an NFT? — An NFT (Non-Fungible Token) is a unique digital asset on a blockchain. Used for art, collectibles, gaming items, and proof of ownership.
What is a DAO? — A DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) is a blockchain-governed organization. Members vote with tokens to make collective decisions.
What is a DEX? — A DEX (Decentralized Exchange) enables peer-to-peer token trading without a central authority. Powered by automated market makers.
What is a Blockchain? — A blockchain is a distributed, immutable ledger that records transactions across a network of computers without central control.
What is a Token? — A token is a digital asset on a blockchain. Fungible tokens (ERC-20) for currencies, non-fungible tokens (ERC-721) for unique items.
What is a Crypto Wallet? — A crypto wallet stores your private keys and lets you send, receive, and manage digital assets on blockchains.
What is Gas (Blockchain)? — Gas is the fee paid to execute transactions and smart contracts on blockchains like Ethereum. Measured in gwei.
What is Layer 2? — Layer 2 is a scaling solution built on top of a blockchain (Layer 1). It processes transactions off-chain for speed and lower costs.
What is a Rollup? — A rollup bundles many transactions into one batch submitted to Layer 1. Optimistic rollups use fraud proofs; zk-rollups use validity proofs.
What is Account Abstraction? — Account abstraction (ERC-4337) makes blockchain accounts programmable. Smart accounts enable gasless transactions, social recovery, and session keys.
What is a Paymaster? — A paymaster is a smart contract that sponsors gas fees for users. Part of ERC-4337 account abstraction, enabling gasless experiences.
What is a Bundler? — A bundler collects UserOperations and submits them to the blockchain as a single transaction. Core infrastructure for ERC-4337.
What is a Microservice? — A microservice is a small, independently deployable service that handles one business capability. Part of microservice architecture.
What is Docker? — Docker packages applications into containers — lightweight, portable units that run consistently across environments.
What is Kubernetes? — Kubernetes (K8s) orchestrates containers at scale. Automated deployment, scaling, load balancing, and self-healing for containerized apps.
What is CI/CD? — CI/CD (Continuous Integration / Continuous Deployment) automates building, testing, and deploying code changes.
What is GraphQL? — GraphQL is a query language for APIs. Clients request exactly the data they need in a single query, reducing over- and under-fetching.
What is REST? — REST (Representational State Transfer) is an architectural style for APIs using HTTP methods to manage resources via standard URLs.
What is a WebSocket? — WebSocket is a protocol for full-duplex communication over a single TCP connection. Enables real-time data streaming between client and server.
What is Rust (Programming Language)? — Rust is a systems programming language focused on safety, speed, and concurrency. No garbage collector, no data races, no null pointers.
What is WebAssembly (WASM)? — WebAssembly is a binary instruction format for running code at near-native speed in browsers and server environments.
What is Terraform? — Terraform is an Infrastructure as Code tool. Define cloud resources in declarative configuration files, then provision and manage them automatically.
What is an Expert Advisor (EA)? — An Expert Advisor is an automated trading program for MetaTrader. It executes trades based on coded rules without manual intervention.
What is Algorithmic Trading? — Algorithmic trading uses computer programs to execute trades at speeds and frequencies impossible for humans. Rules-based, data-driven.
What is Backtesting? — Backtesting tests a trading strategy against historical market data to evaluate its performance before risking real capital.
What is Copy Trading? — Copy trading automatically replicates trades from one account (master) to follower accounts. Popular in forex and crypto markets.
What is a Prop Firm? — A prop firm (proprietary trading firm) funds traders to trade its capital. Traders pass evaluation challenges and share profits.
What is SaaS? — SaaS (Software as a Service) delivers software over the internet via subscriptions. No installation, automatic updates, accessible from anywhere.
What is an ERP? — ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software integrates core business processes — finance, HR, supply chain, manufacturing — into one system.
What is an MVP? — An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is the simplest version of a product that delivers core value. Used to validate ideas with real users quickly.
What is Multi-Tenancy? — Multi-tenancy means one software instance serves multiple customers (tenants). Each tenant's data is isolated while sharing infrastructure.
What is White-Label Software? — White-label software is a product built by one company and rebranded by another. Custom branding, domain, and configuration per client.
What is DevOps? — DevOps combines software development and IT operations. Aims for faster delivery, better reliability, and closer team collaboration.
What is OAuth? — OAuth is an authorization framework that lets users grant third-party apps limited access to their accounts without sharing passwords.
What is a JWT? — A JWT (JSON Web Token) is a compact, self-contained token for securely transmitting claims between parties. Widely used for API authentication.
What is a Proxy Contract? — A proxy contract delegates calls to an implementation contract, enabling upgrades to smart contract logic without changing the contract address.
What is a Blockchain Bridge? — A blockchain bridge transfers assets and data between different blockchain networks, enabling cross-chain interoperability.
What is a Blockchain Oracle? — A blockchain oracle feeds external data (prices, weather, events) to smart contracts, connecting the blockchain to the real world.
What is IPFS? — IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) is a decentralized file storage protocol. Content-addressed, peer-to-peer, and censorship-resistant.
What is Staking? — Staking locks cryptocurrency to support blockchain operations (Proof of Stake) and earn rewards. Secures the network while generating yield.

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