Refactoring
Changing internal code structure without intended changes to observable behaviour. Tests help preserve contracts while improving readability and maintainability.
Definition and sourcesKNOWLEDGE / FROM A TO Z
Glossary
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Clear filtersRegression tests
Checking whether a change damaged previously working behaviour. Scope should follow risk and dependencies rather than test counts alone.
Definition and sourcesRepository
A location holding a project and version history, such as Git. Repository access and copies need protection, especially against publishing secrets.
Definition and sourcesREST
An architectural style with constraints including statelessness and a uniform interface. Using HTTP and JSON alone does not make an API RESTful.
Definition and sourcesRuby on Rails
A Ruby web-application framework based on conventions and MVC architecture. It includes data models, routing and testing tools.
Definition and sourcesSchema
A description of data organisation and relationships. In SEO, the name often refers to Schema.org, a vocabulary of structured-data types and properties. These are different meanings; correct markup does not guarantee enhanced search results.
Definition and sourcesScrum
A framework for complex problems using transparency, inspection and adaptation. A Scrum Team includes a Product Owner, Scrum Master and Developers. A Sprint lasts no more than one month. Scrum is not a success guarantee or complete project recipe.
Definition and sourcesSCSS
A Sass syntax largely compatible with CSS notation. It compiles into CSS; browsers do not directly execute SCSS source.
Definition and sourcesSilex
A historical PHP microframework based on Symfony components whose development ended. New deployments require a deliberate maintenance plan rather than assuming support.
Definition and sourcesSingle-page application
An application updating its interface without full document reloads on every navigation. It needs deliberate handling of history, accessibility, data and indexing.
Definition and sourcesSOAP
A messaging protocol using XML structure and envelopes. It can use different transports and is not synonymous with every HTTP API.
Definition and sourcesSoftware bug
A defect causing software to behave contrary to requirements or expectations. A fix should address the cause and verify the problem does not recur.
Definition and sourcesSpear phishing
A targeted phishing attempt tailored to a person or organisation. Knowing a name or work context does not establish sender authenticity.
Definition and sourcesSpring Boot
A Spring tool simplifying JVM application creation and execution. Auto-configuration speeds setup but production settings still need review.
Definition and sourcesSQL (Structured Query Language)
A language for defining, querying and modifying data, primarily in relational systems. Vendors implement different dialects. Queries working in one database can require changes in another.
Definition and sourcesSQL injection
Input that changes the meaning of an SQL query. Parameterised queries and appropriate permissions are key defences; stripping selected characters is insufficient.
Definition and sourcesSQL table prefix
An initial part of a table name, such as wp_ in wp_posts. It distinguishes groups of tables. Database.table or schema.table qualifies a name rather than supplying this prefix. A prefix alone does not secure a database.
Definition and sourcesSvelte
A component-interface tool with a significant compilation step. Complete projects also need data, routing and deployment choices, for example through SvelteKit.
Definition and sourcesSymfony
A PHP framework and component collection also used by other applications. Check requirements and support periods for the specific release branch.
Definition and sourcesTest-driven development
An approach where a test of expected behaviour precedes implementation, followed by refactoring. It does not mean writing arbitrary tests after completing a feature.
Definition and sourcesThird-party login
Signing in with an account held by another provider, such as Google. OpenID Connect confirms identity without sharing that account's password with the application. Data access depends on the integration and permissions.
Definition and sourcesTime-based one-time password
A one-time code derived from a shared secret and time. It needs clock synchronisation; codes can be phished, so TOTP is not universally phishing-resistant.
Definition and sourcesTranspiler
A tool transforming source code into other source code, such as older syntax. It need not provide missing runtime functionality.
Definition and sourcesTwo-factor authentication
Authentication using two different factor types, such as a password and a device. Two passwords are not two factors; phishing resistance depends on the method.
Definition and sources