HTTP. URL. API. Huh? Behind the pretty designs and interface of every technology, there are internet foundations, elements and tech terms that enable the internet and our ability to access it. We call this the “meat”. It’s so easy to get caught up in the logistics of coding, that a surprising number of people are clueless as what makes up the web’s the foundation. It’s important to refresh on the basic terminology. But it’s hard to remember what this stuff means, especially since most of these core concepts are expressed in jumbles of letters that abbreviate abstract technical features. Is it any wonder that Google renamed themselves Alphabet? The web is awash in alphabet soup, and Carnivores is here to help you digest it!
We present you the Content Carnivores Alphabet: Flashcard Edition.
Hypertext Transfer Protocol: “The communications protocol used to connect to Web servers on the Internet or on a local network (intranet). Its primary function is to establish a connection with the server and send HTML pages back to the user’s browser.” This is like the veins of technology. It connects the parts, while still pumping blood through to establish and send connections.
Uniform Resource Locator: This is an internet address, like https://www.contentcarnivores.com, which includes the http in front and the domain name. This would be the heart of each unique page on the internet. Without an internet address (url), we wouldn’t be able to go on the sites we love so dearly.
Application Programming Interfaces: “APIs are sets of requirements that govern how one application can talk to another….. APIs are especially important because they dictate how developers can create new apps that tap into big Web services.” Basically, API’s are the best sharers. If public, they let other apps and companies use their functions to aid their product. This would be the brain of technology. We need API’s to tell us where we are going/how to get there in an easy manner.
Feel the nourishment of a hot bowl of alphabet soup? What other meaty tech terms are out there…
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