MCT Lexicon Multimedia & Creative Technology
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95 terms

Everything about web development, mobile apps, frontend and backend development.

A

AI agent

An AI agent is an autonomous software or system component that perceives its environment, makes decisions, and takes actions to achieve goals. An agent typically combines a model or learning mechanism with sensors (inputs/observations) and actuators (output/actions) — the underlying AI model(s) are only one part of the whole. AI agents can be reactive, deliberative, learning-based, or part of multi-agent systems, and appear as chatbots, virtual assistants, game NPCs, or autonomous robots/drones.

API

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a collection of definitions and protocols that lets different software applications communicate. It acts as an intermediary that sends requests from one application to another and returns the response. APIs make it possible to use functionality from other services without knowing their internal workings.

programming backend software

ARPANET

ARPANET was the early experimental packet-switched computer network created by DARPA in the late 1960s and is considered the predecessor of the Internet. It introduced ideas such as packet switching, network protocols, and shared resource access that later evolved into TCP/IP and modern network services. For students in 3D, Audio/Video, Maker and Web fields, ARPANET is relevant because it laid the groundwork for reliable digital asset transfer, remote collaboration, distributed compute (e.g., render farms), and the protocols underpinning streaming, firmware updates and web communication.

ARQ

ARQ stands for Automatic Repeat reQuest and is a mechanism for requesting retransmission of lost or corrupted data. It is used across different network layers: at the network access/link layer (for example in wireless standards like 802.11) and at higher layers (for example TCP at the transport layer) to ensure reliability. For students in Audio/Video, Maker, and Web, ARQ is important because it affects how media and file data are reliably delivered — in some real-time A/V use cases ARQ can introduce latency, in maker/embedded contexts ARQ is used on serial or radio links to recover packets, and on the web retransmission is implemented by protocols (TCP/HTTP or application-level ARQ for custom transports).

Agentic coding

Agentic coding is an approach in which software components are designed as autonomous agents that perceive their environment, pursue goals, and interact with other agents. These agents make local decisions based on their internal state and rules, which can lead to emergent system-level behaviors. The paradigm is common in game development, simulations, multi-agent systems and AI, and is used to model independent actors such as NPCs, robots or simulated entities.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the field of computer science that develops systems and algorithms capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as recognition, reasoning, and decision-making. In a technology context, AI covers techniques like machine learning and deep learning, where models learn patterns from data to make predictions or classifications. AI applications range from search and recommendation systems in web and mobile apps to real-time image and audio processing in 3D/XR projects and post-production.

Astro

Astro is a modern JavaScript framework focused on building fast, content-driven websites. It uses a component-based approach with .astro files and follows the 'islands' or 'partial hydration' pattern: by default little to no JavaScript is shipped to the browser unless you explicitly hydrate interactive components. Astro is framework-agnostic—allowing you to use React, Vue, Svelte and other components inside an Astro project—and it supports both static site generation (SSG) and server-side rendering (SSR).

frontend

Async/Await

Async/await is modern JavaScript syntax for handling asynchronous operations in a more readable, synchronous-looking way. Functions marked with async automatically return Promises, and the await keyword pauses execution until a Promise resolves. This eliminates deeply nested callback functions (callback hell) and makes asynchronous code much easier to write, read, and debug.

javascript
B

Backup

A backup is a copy of digital information intended to allow recovery from loss, corruption, or damage. In Audio/Video, Maker and Web contexts this includes saving media and session files, design files and firmware, bills of materials, and server data such as databases and configuration. For servers and similar infrastructure this usually involves snapshots, incremental backups, offsite replication, versioning, encryption and regular restore testing so you can recover from hardware failure, accidental deletion or ransomware.

Bandwidth

Bandbreedte is de maximale hoeveelheid data die binnen een gegeven tijdsperiode over een kanaal of verbinding kan worden overgedragen, doorgaans uitgedrukt in bits per seconde (bps). In netwerkfundamenten verschilt bandbreedte van latency (vertraging) en throughput (de daadwerkelijk bereikte data‑snelheid): bandbreedte is het theoretische plafond, throughput is wat je in de praktijk meet en latency is de tijd voor het eerste bit. Voor Audio/Video bepaalt bandbreedte hoeveel resolutie, frame‑rate en audiokwaliteit je kunt sturen (bijv. 4K video vereist veel meer bandbreedte dan een telefoongesprek). Voor makers heeft bandbreedte betrekking op zowel netwerkverbindingen (Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, mobiele data) als op lokale bussnelheden (UART, SPI, I2C) en radio­modules (LoRa, BLE) — elk heeft zijn eigen maximale data‑rate. Voor webontwikkeling beïnvloedt bandbreedte laadtijden van pagina's en API‑reacties; technieken zoals compressie, caching en CDN's verminderen de benodigde bandbreedte of verdelen de belasting. Belangrijke praktische aspecten zijn upload vs. download, gedeelde media (congestie), benodigde headroom voor stabiele streams en meten met tools zoals speedtest of iperf.

Branding

Branding is het bewuste proces van het ontwerpen en beheren van een merkidentiteit zodat een organisatie, product of dienst herkenbaar en onderscheidend wordt. Voor 3D betekent dit bijvoorbeeld consistente materiaalkeuzes, schaal en stijl van productrenders en AR/ervaringen; voor Audio/Video gaat het om een herkenbare visuele stijl, montageritme en geluid (zoals een sonic logo). Vanuit Business omvat branding strategie, positionering, waarden en doelgroepdefinitie; voor Web vertaalt het zich naar consistente UI/UX, tone-of-voice, performance en metadata. Goede branding zorgt dat alle disciplines — 3D, audio/video, business en web — samenwerken en één samenhangend verhaal vertellen dat vertrouwen, herkenning en voorkeur bij gebruikers opbouwt.

C

CMS

A CMS (Content Management System) is software that enables users to create, manage, and modify website content without needing technical knowledge of HTML, CSS, or programming. Popular platforms like WordPress, Drupal, and Strapi provide user-friendly interfaces for content editing, media management, user permissions, and website customization through themes, plugins, or APIs.

marketing

CORS

CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing) is a security mechanism that controls which web applications can make requests to domains different from their own. Browsers enforce the same-origin policy by default, blocking cross-origin requests to protect users. CORS headers from the server specify which origins, HTTP methods, and headers are permitted, enabling controlled cross-origin communication.

frontend

CRUD

CRUD stands for Create, Read, Update, and Delete, representing the four basic operations for persistent storage that nearly every data-driven application implements. In web development, CRUD operations map to HTTP methods (POST for Create, GET for Read, PUT/PATCH for Update, DELETE for Delete) and SQL statements (INSERT, SELECT, UPDATE, DELETE). Understanding CRUD is fundamental to building any application that stores data.

database

CSS

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a stylesheet language used to describe the presentation of HTML documents. It controls how elements are displayed on a web page, including colors, fonts, spacing, positioning, and responsive behavior. CSS lets you separate content (HTML) from presentation.

programming frontend design

CSS Grid

CSS Grid is a two-dimensional layout system that allows you to create complex grid-based layouts with rows and columns simultaneously. Unlike Flexbox which works in one direction at a time, Grid lets you control both horizontal and vertical placement of elements, making it ideal for overall page layouts, image galleries, and complex component arrangements.

css

Cloud computing

Cloud computing is the use of remote servers, storage and services accessed over the internet instead of relying solely on local hardware. For makers this means prototypes and IoT devices can send data and offload processing to scalable services; for web developers it enables easy hosting, scaling and management of websites, APIs and databases. Cloud platforms offer different service models (IaaS, PaaS, serverless) and pay-as-you-go pricing, but also introduce considerations like latency, security and potential vendor lock-in.

Copilot

A Copilot is an AI-driven assistant embedded in software environments to provide users with context-aware suggestions, automations and help. In practice it generates or completes text, code, queries or tasks based on the current context and user instructions, but it does not act fully autonomously without human oversight. Copilots typically combine large language models, context windows and integrations with files or tools, and they have limitations such as possible hallucinations, privacy and licensing concerns that require user verification.

Creative technology

Creative technology is an interdisciplinary field that combines engineering and technical skills with creative practice to build interactive experiences, installations, products and performances. It involves programming, electronics, sensors, interactive design principles, audiovisual production and often physical prototyping with microcontrollers or 3D printing. Key characteristics include experimentation, iterative prototyping and ‘‘research-through-making’’, typically carried out by teams of designers, developers and makers. The aim is not just functional solutions but meaningful, aesthetic or experiential outcomes for users and audiences.

Crop

Cropping means selecting a specific portion of visual or data content and using only that part for display or further processing. It is used to focus on a particular area, optimize performance, or exclude unnecessary parts. Cropping usually does not alter the underlying structure, but it does determine which part of the content is actually used.

D

DELETE

DELETE is an HTTP method used to remove a resource from the server. Like GET and PUT, DELETE is idempotent, meaning deleting the same resource multiple times has the same effect: the resource is gone. After successful deletion, servers typically respond with 200 OK including a confirmation message, 204 No Content with an empty body, or 202 Accepted if deletion is queued for later.

frontend backend

DI

Dependency Injection (DI) is a design pattern where an object receives its dependencies from the outside instead of creating them itself. It is a form of Inversion of Control: the responsibility for creating and configuring services is handled by a container or provider (for example Laravel's service container), not by the consumer. In PHP backend/web development DI reduces coupling, improves testability, and makes it simple to swap or configure implementations (for example different repositories or gateways).

backend php

DMZ

A DMZ (demilitarized zone) is a separate network segment that hosts public-facing services while protecting the internal network. From network fundamentals it is implemented with firewalls, VLANs and specific routing/NAT rules so that a compromised host in the DMZ cannot freely access internal systems. For Audio/Video, Maker and Web projects this means streaming servers, IoT controllers, development boards and web servers can be placed in the DMZ to be reachable from the internet, while production assets and management systems remain on a separate, more secure subnet.

DNS (Domain Name System)

DNS (Domain Name System) is the distributed, hierarchical system that translates human-readable domain names (like example.com) into IP addresses so machines can locate each other. It is organized into layers (root servers, TLD servers, authoritative name servers) and uses record types such as A, AAAA, CNAME, MX and TXT to store different information about a domain. Recursive resolvers cache responses with a TTL to speed up lookups, which can introduce propagation delay; security extensions like DNSSEC help prevent certain kinds of tampering.

DOM

The Document Object Model (DOM) is a programming interface that represents an HTML document as a tree structure where each element, attribute, and piece of text becomes a node. JavaScript can interact with this tree to dynamically read, modify, add, or delete elements on a webpage, enabling interactive and dynamic user experiences without reloading the page.

javascript html

DoS Attack

A DoS attack (Denial of Service) is an attack aimed at making a web service unavailable by exhausting resources. For web systems this can target network/transport layers (e.g., SYN floods) or the application layer (e.g., HTTP floods that tie up server processes and databases). DoS can originate from a single source, while DDoS involves many distributed machines; regardless, the effect on web developers and operators is the same: reduced availability, potential data issues and reputational damage. Mitigation strategies include rate limiting, CDNs and load balancers, Web Application Firewalls, and traffic monitoring to detect and block malicious patterns.

Docker

Docker is an open-source platform that enables containerization. Containers are lightweight, isolated environments where applications run consistently regardless of the underlying system. Docker packages an application with all its dependencies in a container, solving "works on my machine" issues.

software devops
E

EXIF

EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) is a standard for metadata embedded in image files such as JPEG and TIFF. It stores technical information about the capture — camera and lens model, exposure settings (ISO, shutter speed, aperture), focal length, timestamp and often GPS coordinates and orientation. For web developers EXIF matters because it affects how images are displayed (for example automatic rotation), and because metadata has privacy and performance implications, so web apps frequently read, process or strip EXIF during upload or optimization.

Environment Variables

Environment variables are dynamic configuration values stored outside your application code that control how the application behaves in different environments. They are essential for storing sensitive data like API keys, database passwords, and third-party service credentials, as well as environment-specific settings that differ between development, staging, and production without changing code.

frontend backend
F

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is an application‑layer network protocol designed to transfer files between computers over a TCP/IP network. It uses a separate control channel (default port 21) and a data channel (traditionally port 20 or an ephemeral port negotiated by the server) and provides commands for navigation, uploading and downloading files. By default FTP sends credentials and data in plain text, making it insecure for sensitive transfers; more secure alternatives are FTPS (FTP over TLS/SSL) and SFTP (file transfer over SSH).

Factory

A Factory is a design pattern from object-oriented programming that centralizes and abstracts object creation. In both 3D and web development you use a factory to create different concrete object types (e.g., meshes, materials, UI components, or API clients) in a uniform way without the caller knowing construction details. This makes code more maintainable, testable and flexible: you can swap implementations, integrate resource management and pooling (important for real-time 3D), and apply configuration or lazy loading more easily. A factory can be a simple function that returns objects or a fuller Abstract Factory / Factory Method implementation in larger systems.

Fiber

Fiber (fiber optics) is a cable technology that transmits data by sending light pulses through thin glass or plastic strands. By using total internal reflection, signals can travel with very high bandwidth and low attenuation over long distances, which is fundamental to network infrastructure such as backbone links, FTTH, and datacenter connectivity. For Audio/Video, Maker, and Web use cases this means fiber enables reliable, interference-free transmission for live video/audio, high‑speed internet, and projects using optical sensors or light-guiding; key technical aspects include single-mode vs multi-mode fibers, common wavelengths (e.g. 1310/1550 nm) and connector types (e.g. LC, SC).

Firewall

A firewall is a network component — implemented as hardware or software — that inspects and filters network traffic according to configured rules. For Audio/Video, Maker and Web projects it protects streaming/media servers, IoT and maker devices (e.g., Raspberry Pi) and web applications from unauthorized access and certain kinds of attacks. Firewalls operate at different levels: host-based (on a single device), network-based (between networks) and specialized web application firewalls (WAFs) that filter at the application layer. Key concepts include rules for ports and protocols, stateful versus stateless filtering, NAT/port-forwarding and the trade-off between security and accessibility — overly strict rules can block legitimate media streams or device communications.

Flexbox

Flexbox (Flexible Box Layout) is a one-dimensional CSS layout method designed for arranging items in rows or columns. It excels at distributing space between items, aligning content both horizontally and vertically, and handling dynamic or unknown sizes. Flexbox is perfect for navigation menus, card layouts, centering content, and any situation requiring flexible item arrangement.

css
H

HTTP

HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol and is the protocol used for communication between a web browser and a web server. It defines how requests and responses are structured and exchanged. Without HTTP, the modern web would not exist.

frontend

HTTP Methods

HTTP methods (also called verbs) indicate the desired action to be performed on a resource. The main methods are GET for retrieving data, POST for creating new resources, PUT for replacing resources entirely, PATCH for partial updates, and DELETE for removing resources. Using the correct method is essential for RESTful API design and clearly communicates intent to servers and developers.

frontend backend

Hi-Fi Wireframe

A hi-fi (high-fidelity) wireframe or mockup is a detailed, polished representation of a user interface that closely resembles the final product. It includes actual or realistic content, real images, exact brand colors, proper typography, spacing, and often interactive elements. Hi-fi designs are created after concepts are validated and serve stakeholder presentations, user testing, and developer handoff.

design ux

Hypertext

Hypertext is text that is connected to other texts or documents through hyperlinks, allowing reading to be non-linear. On the web, hypertext is foundational: HTML uses anchor elements (<a href="...">) to send users to other pages, sections, or resources. Hypertext enables associative navigation, references, and a network of information so users can follow their own paths through content; it is commonly contrasted with hypermedia, which additionally includes multimedia elements like images, audio and video.

I

IEEE 802.11 a,b,g,n,ac,ax

IEEE 802.11 a,b,g,n,ac,ax are labels for successive Wi‑Fi standards specified by the IEEE for wireless local area networks (WLANs). Each lettered version defines technical characteristics such as frequency bands (commonly 2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz), modulation schemes (e.g., OFDM), channel widths, MIMO capabilities, and channel access mechanisms — all basic network fundamentals. For students in Audio/Video, Maker and Web disciplines these standards matter because they directly affect throughput, latency, range and network behavior: A/V streaming and real‑time audio/video (latency and packet loss), maker projects and IoT devices (compatibility, power consumption and antenna design), and web applications or WebRTC (bandwidth, connection quality and QoS). Newer generations (n → ac → ax) introduce improvements such as channel bonding, MU‑MIMO, higher modulation rates, and in ax (Wi‑Fi 6) OFDMA plus better efficiency in dense environments.

ISP

ISP is an abbreviation with two common meanings in multimedia and tech: Image Signal Processor and Internet Service Provider. As an Image Signal Processor, ISP refers to dedicated hardware or firmware in camera and sensor systems that converts raw sensor data into usable images through steps like demosaicing, noise reduction, color correction and lens compensation — this is relevant to 3D scanning, video production, makers using camera modules, and web apps handling webcam streams. As an Internet Service Provider, an ISP is the organization that provides network infrastructure and internet access; this affects streaming quality for audio/video, remote collaboration, and hosting of web and 3D content, and is important for makers deploying IoT devices or cloud-based workflows. Both meanings often interact in projects: the ISP (image processor) determines image quality that you then transmit or consume over the network provided by an ISP (internet provider) in web and multimedia pipelines.

J

JSON

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write, and easy for machines to parse and generate. Despite its name, JSON is language-independent and is used across virtually all programming languages for data exchange between servers and web applications, APIs, and configuration files.

frontend backend javascript

JWT

JWT (JSON Web Token) is a compact, URL-safe token format used for securely transmitting information between parties as a JSON object. It consists of three base64-encoded parts separated by dots: a header specifying the algorithm, a payload containing claims like user ID and expiration time, and a cryptographic signature for verification. JWTs enable stateless authentication.

frontend backend

JavaScript

JavaScript is a dynamic programming language originally developed for web browsers. It enables interactive web pages and is now also used server-side (Node.js). JavaScript is essential for modern web development and supports both functional and object-oriented programming.

programming frontend software
L

LAN

A LAN (Local Area Network) is a network that connects devices within a limited area such as a studio, makerspace or classroom. Technically, a LAN is built from switches, routers and access points and uses IP addressing (IPv4/IPv6), DHCP and often VLANs and QoS to organize and prioritise traffic. In Audio/Video contexts a LAN enables low-latency streaming, device discovery and multicast or specialized protocols like Dante/AVB; for Maker projects it provides local communication for microcontrollers, MQTT/HTTP brokers and OTA updates; and for Web development it lets you host and test dev servers, APIs and static assets locally without depending on the external internet.

Laravel

Laravel is a popular open-source PHP framework known for its elegant syntax and developer-friendly features. It provides built-in tools for common tasks like routing, authentication, database migrations, caching, and templating with Blade. Laravel follows the MVC pattern and emphasizes code that is expressive, enjoyable to write, and follows modern best practices.

php

Lo-Fi Wireframe

A lo-fi (low-fidelity) wireframe is a quick, rough sketch of a user interface that focuses on layout, structure, content placement, and user flow rather than visual design details like colors or typography. Often created with pen and paper, whiteboards, or simple digital tools, lo-fi wireframes enable rapid exploration of ideas and early feedback before investing time in detailed designs.

design ux

localhost

Localhost is the standard hostname that refers to a machine's local loopback network interface. It typically resolves to the IPv4 address 127.0.0.1 (and ::1 for IPv6) and is used to access network services locally without leaving the host. In web and mobile development you use localhost to run and test servers, APIs and dev tools; be aware of the difference between binding to 127.0.0.1 (local-only) and 0.0.0.0 (all interfaces).

devops networks
M

MAC

MAC stands for Media Access Control and refers both to the MAC sublayer of the data link layer and to the MAC addresses that identify network interfaces. In networking (network access layer / Ethernet) the MAC sublayer controls how devices access the physical medium and how Ethernet frames are delivered to a specific device on the same local network. For Audio/Video, Maker, and Web contexts this matters because MAC addresses and the MAC sublayer drive local traffic: networked A/V streams, IoT and maker boards with network modules, and web application diagnostics all rely on this layer to deliver and distinguish data within the LAN.

MVC

MVC (Model-View-Controller) is an architectural pattern that separates application logic into three interconnected components. The Model manages data and business logic, the View handles the display and user interface, and the Controller processes user input and coordinates between Model and View. This separation makes code more organized, testable, and maintainable across teams.

backend

Markdown

Markdown is a lightweight markup language for writing human-readable plain text that can be easily converted to HTML (or other formats). It is designed to be both easy for people to read and straightforward for machines to process, providing simple syntax for headings, lists, links, images and code blocks. In web and mobile development, Markdown is commonly used for README files, documentation, blog posts and content that static site generators or headless CMSes render into HTML.

Middleware

Middleware is software that sits between incoming requests and your route handlers in a web application, processing requests before they reach your business logic and optionally modifying responses before they are sent to clients. Common middleware handles authentication, logging, error handling, request body parsing, compression, rate limiting, and adding security headers to responses.

backend

Multiplexing

Multiplexing is a technique for sending multiple data streams or signals over a single shared transmission channel. In network fundamentals and web technologies this means arranging multiple HTTP or media sessions over one TCP/UDP connection so bandwidth and latency are used more efficiently (e.g., HTTP/2 or RTP transport). For Audio/Video and maker projects, multiplexing covers software methods (container formats, RTP/multicast, statistical packet scheduling) as well as hardware approaches (analog/digital multiplexer ICs, TDM on microcontrollers), and it helps to make better use of pins, channels or frequency bands. There are different types—time-division (TDM), frequency-division (FDM) and statistical/packet multiplexing—each with trade-offs related to throughput, latency and jitter.

MySQL

MySQL is an open-source relational database management system that uses Structured Query Language (SQL) to manage data. It organizes data into tables with rows and columns, supports relationships between tables through foreign keys, and is known for its reliability, performance, and ease of use. MySQL is a core component of the popular LAMP and LEMP stacks.

database backend
O

OG Image

An OG (Open Graph) image is the preview image that appears when a webpage is shared on social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Slack. Defined in the HTML head using meta tags, this image significantly impacts click-through rates as it creates the first visual impression of your shared content in crowded social feeds.

frontend marketing

OSI model

The OSI model (Open Systems Interconnection) is a layered reference model that divides networking into seven layers, from the physical connection up to the application. Each layer has distinct responsibilities — for example, the physical layer (layer 1) concerns cables and radio signals, the network layer (layer 3) handles routing and IP addressing, and the application layer (layer 7) includes protocols like HTTP or MQTT. For learners in 3D, Audio/Video, Maker and Web disciplines, the OSI model provides a practical framework to locate and reason about network issues: from wireless interference affecting a VR headset (layer 1), to packet loss impacting realtime audio via RTP/UDP (layers 4/5), to incorrect API responses when a web server serves 3D assets (layer 7).

P

PHP

PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a widely-used server-side scripting language designed specifically for web development. It can be embedded directly into HTML and executes on the server before the page is sent to the browser, making it invisible to users. PHP powers major platforms like WordPress, Facebook, and Wikipedia, and integrates seamlessly with databases like MySQL.

backend

POST

POST is an HTTP method used to send data to a server to create a new resource or trigger a process. Unlike GET, POST includes data in the request body rather than the URL, allowing for larger and more complex data including files. POST is not idempotent, meaning submitting the same request twice typically creates two separate resources or triggers an action twice.

frontend backend

PUT

PUT is an HTTP method used to update or completely replace an existing resource on the server. When sending a PUT request, you provide the complete new version of the resource, and the server replaces the old version entirely. PUT is idempotent, so sending the same PUT request multiple times has the same effect as sending it once, making it safe to retry failed requests.

frontend backend

PoE

PoE (Power over Ethernet) is a network access layer technology that supplies DC power over Ethernet cables so both data and power travel on the same twisted-pair cable. It is standardized in IEEE 802.3af/at/bt and includes detection and classification phases to ensure only compatible devices receive power, with different power classes depending on the standard. For Audio/Video (e.g., IP cameras, networked speakers, Dante interfaces), Maker projects (e.g., Raspberry Pi or microcontroller boards with PoE HATs), and Web/network equipment (e.g., Wi‑Fi access points, edge devices), PoE reduces the need for separate power supplies and simplifies deployments. Practical constraints include cable category (Cat5e or better), the ~100 m Ethernet distance limit, the power budget of the switch or injector, and the difference between standard (active) PoE and some passive PoE solutions.

Python

Python is a general-purpose, dynamically typed programming language with an interpreter, a rich standard library, and a large ecosystem of third-party packages (installable via pip). In 3D development it is widely used as a scripting language (for example in Blender) to generate geometry, automate scenes, and control rendering workflows. In audio/video pipelines Python is used to capture, process and analyze media using libraries such as OpenCV, moviepy and FFmpeg wrappers. For maker/hardware projects Python runs on microcontrollers via MicroPython or CircuitPython and on devices like the Raspberry Pi to control sensors, actuators and serial devices. In web development Python is used for backends and APIs with frameworks like Django and Flask, enabling web interfaces that can trigger 3D tasks, media processing or hardware control.

Q

Query Parameters

Query parameters are key-value pairs appended to a URL after a question mark to send additional data to the server. Multiple parameters are separated by ampersands. They are commonly used for search queries, filtering results, sorting, pagination, and tracking. Query parameters make URLs bookmarkable and shareable while allowing dynamic content based on user input.

frontend

query

A query is a request to a database to retrieve, insert, update, or delete data. In web and mobile development queries are usually SQL statements such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE that return a result set or an execution status. Important considerations include how parameters are passed (e.g. parameterized queries), performance (indexes, joins, LIMIT, pagination) and security risks like SQL injection. MySQL is a client-server database with richer concurrency features; SQLite is an embedded database commonly used on devices with different constraints and optimizations.

database
R

REST

REST (Representational State Transfer) is an architectural style for designing APIs. RESTful APIs use HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) to perform CRUD operations on resources. They are stateless, which means each request contains all information needed to process it.

programming backend

React

React is a JavaScript library developed by Meta (Facebook) for building user interfaces, particularly single-page applications. It uses a component-based architecture where UIs are built from independent, reusable pieces. React's virtual DOM efficiently updates only changed elements, and its declarative approach lets developers describe what the UI should look like for any given state.

frontend javascript

Responsive Design

Responsive design is an approach to web development that ensures websites look and function well on all devices and screen sizes, from mobile phones to large desktop monitors. It uses flexible grids, fluid images, and CSS media queries to adapt the layout and content presentation based on the viewport dimensions, providing optimal user experience everywhere.

css mobile

root (superuser)

In Unix-achtige systemen is 'root' de naam van de superuser: een account met volledige systeemrechten en toegang tot alle bestanden en instellingen. In databases zoals MySQL bestaat er vaak ook een 'root'-account met alle privileges voor beheer en configuratie. In web- en mobiele context verwijst 'root' daarnaast naar de hoogste map in een bestandssysteem (de root directory, aangeduid als '/') of naar het concept van 'root access' op een mobiel apparaat (geprivilegieerde toegang tot systeemniveau). Omdat de root-gebruiker onbeperkte macht heeft, brengt gebruik of blootstelling van dit account grote veiligheidsrisico's met zich mee; best practices adviseren minimaal privilegegebruik, het uitschakelen of beschermen van standaard root-accounts en het gebruik van specifieke service-accounts voor applicaties.

devops
S

SEO

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the practice of improving a website's visibility and ranking in search engine results pages through various techniques. It involves optimizing content with relevant keywords, improving HTML structure and metadata, ensuring fast page load times, making sites mobile-friendly, and building quality backlinks from reputable sources.

marketing

SFTP

SFTP stands for SSH File Transfer Protocol and is a network protocol for securely transferring and managing files over an SSH connection. Both data and control commands are encrypted, making it safer than traditional FTP. SFTP supports password or SSH key authentication and provides operations such as upload, download, listing, renaming and deleting files. It is commonly used for server deployments, backups and secure file transfers in development and production workflows.

SQL Injection

SQL injection is a code injection attack where malicious SQL statements are inserted into input fields, potentially allowing attackers to read, modify, or delete database data, bypass authentication, or even execute system commands. It exploits applications that concatenate user input directly into SQL queries instead of using parameterized queries or prepared statements.

database

SSH (Secure Shell)

SSH (Secure Shell) is a network protocol that provides secure, encrypted communication between a client and a remote machine. It is primarily used for interactive shell access to servers, executing commands remotely, and secure file transfers using SCP/SFTP. SSH uses asymmetric cryptography for key exchange and authentication together with symmetric encryption for the session, and it also supports tunneling/port forwarding and agent forwarding.

Segmentation

Segmentatie is het proces waarbij data, resources of netwerken worden opgesplitst in kleinere, beheersbare delen (“segmenten”) om transport, verwerking, beheer en beveiliging te vereenvoudigen. In Audio/Video-context betekent dit vaak het opdelen van mediabestanden in korte fragmenten voor adaptieve streaming of het splitsen van audio/video voor bewerking en analyse. Voor Makers kan segmentatie zowel slaan op het opdelen van fysieke ontwerpen (bijv. een 3D-model dat in meerdere stukken wordt geprint) als op netwerksegmentatie van IoT-apparaten om veiligheid en betrouwbaarheid te vergroten. In Web- en netwerkfundamenten verwijst segmentatie naar praktijken zoals subnetting, VLANs en TCP/IP-segmentatie (het opdelen van grote datastromen in MTU-conforme stukken), wat belangrijk is voor performance, fouttolerantie en netwerkbeveiliging.

Semantic HTML

Semantic HTML means using HTML elements that clearly describe their meaning and purpose in the document structure. Instead of generic div and span elements everywhere, semantic tags like header, nav, main, article, section, aside, and footer communicate the role of content to browsers, search engines, and assistive technologies like screen readers.

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Singleton

The Singleton pattern is an OOP design pattern that ensures a class has at most one instance and provides a global access point to that instance. In both 3D applications (for example scene or resource managers, renderers or physics worlds) and web projects (for example database connections or authentication services), a singleton is used to centralize shared resources and coordination. Implementations use static members, modules/closures or framework-specific mechanisms (such as Unity's static instance or ES modules in frontend and Node.js); be aware of downsides like hidden dependencies, harder testing, lifecycle issues and concurrency concerns on servers or across workers.

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TCP/IP

TCP/IP is a suite of network protocols that enables communication between computers over networks. It is organized in layers (such as link, internet, transport, and application), each responsible for specific functions like addressing, routing, and reliable delivery. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) provides connection-oriented, reliable data transfer using mechanisms such as the three-way handshake, segmentation, error checking, and flow/congestion control, while IP (Internet Protocol) handles addressing and routing of packets across networks.

Throughput

Throughput is the actual amount of useful data transmitted over a communication channel per unit of time, usually measured in bits/sec (e.g., Mbps). It is different from bandwidth (theoretical capacity) and latency (delay): throughput is what you actually achieve in practice and can be reduced by protocol overhead, errors, congestion and hardware limits. In network fundamentals and across Audio/Video, Maker and Web contexts, throughput determines how many audio/video streams you can deliver simultaneously, how fast firmware or sensor data can be transferred to a device, and how quickly web assets or API responses reach clients.

Transmitter

Een transmitter is een apparaat of softwarecomponent die signalen of gegevens uitstuurt over een fysiek of logisch medium. In Audio/Video-contexten zet een transmitter bijvoorbeeld audio- of videosignalen om en stuurt die als RF, digitale pakketten of een geëncodeerde stream weg; in Maker-projecten is het vaak een microcontroller met een RF- of draadloos-module (bijv. Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, LoRa) die sensorwaarden verzendt; in Web-toepassingen is het de server- of browsercomponent die data via protocollen zoals HTTP, RTMP of WebRTC naar ontvangers stuurt. In alle gevallen is kennis van netwerkfundamentals belangrijk: modulatie en codering, packetisatie, kanaal/mediumkeuze, bandbreedte, latency en foutafhandeling bepalen hoe betrouwbaar en efficiënt een transmitter werkt. Een transmitter kan zowel op de fysieke laag (elektrische/EM-signalen, antenne) als op hogere lagen (encodering, encryptie, transportprotocollen) functies vervullen.

Twisted pair

Een twisted pair is een kabelconstructie waarbij twee geïsoleerde geleiders om elkaar heen zijn gedraaid (gewikkeld) om elektrische interferentie te verminderen. Deze constructie wordt veel gebruikt in netwerkkabels (bijv. Cat5e/Cat6), in gebalanceerde audiosignalen en in maker‑toepassingen zoals seriële bussen of sensorbedrading. De twist zorgt ervoor dat externe storingen op beide draden ongeveer hetzelfde induceren, waardoor differentiële ontvangers het gemeenschappelijke ruiscomponent kunnen onderdrukken. Belangrijke eigenschappen zijn de karakteristieke impedantie (meestal ~100 Ω voor netwerkkabels), het type (UTP = ongeïsoleerd, STP = afgeschermd) en het aantal paren, wat invloed heeft op overdrachtssnelheid en maximale lengte. Voor netwerk‑fundamenten is het essentieel te begrijpen hoe paren worden toegewezen aan Ethernet‑standaarden (bv. 100BASE‑TX vs. 1000BASE‑T) en waarom correcte terminations en paarintegriteit cruciaal zijn voor signaal‑integriteit.

TypeScript

TypeScript is a strongly typed programming language that builds on JavaScript by adding optional static type checking. Developed by Microsoft, it helps catch errors during development rather than at runtime, improves code documentation through type definitions, and enables better tooling with features like intelligent autocompletion and safe refactoring in modern code editors.

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UTP

UTP stands for Unshielded Twisted Pair and is a type of network cable made from several twisted wire pairs without additional shielding. The twists reduce electromagnetic interference and enable differential signaling, which is crucial for reliable data transmission across networks, audio-over-IP systems, and maker projects that use Ethernet. For Audio/Video, Maker and Web contexts the same network fundamentals apply: the cable category (e.g., Cat5e, Cat6) determines bandwidth and throughput, the typical Ethernet maximum run is 100 meters, and poor installation or excessive length can cause signal loss, crosstalk and increased latency.

Usability

Usability refers to how easy, efficient, and pleasant it is for users to accomplish specific goals with a product — for example a website or mobile app. It covers measurable aspects such as effectiveness (can users complete tasks), efficiency (how quickly and with how much effort), and satisfaction (how users experience the interaction). In web & mobile development, usability also requires attention to contextual factors like screen size, network conditions, accessibility, and familiar interaction patterns.

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Vector

A vector is a mathematical object that has both direction and magnitude (length). In 3D computer graphics vectors are used to represent positions, displacements, velocities, and surface directions (normals). Vectors have components (for example x, y, z) and support operations such as addition, scalar multiplication, normalization, and the dot and cross products. In graphic design the term also appears in 'vector graphics' (like SVG), where shapes are defined by mathematical paths and remain crisp when scaled, unlike raster images.

VoIP

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is de techniek om spraak en aanverwante realtime media (zoals video) over IP-netwerken te transporteren in plaats van via traditionele telefoonlijnen. Het omvat signalering (bijv. SIP), mediatransport (RTP/SRTP), codecs voor compressie en mechanismen voor latency-, jitter- en packetverliesbeheer. Voor 3D- en XR-toepassingen is VoIP belangrijk omdat het realtime, vaak ruimtelijke audio mogelijk maakt; voor Audio/Video-productie zijn latency en codec-keuzes cruciaal voor kwaliteit; voor Makers betekent het dat je zowel software (bijv. SIP-servers of WebRTC-signaling) als hardware (bijv. microfoons, Raspberry Pi PBX of audio-interfaces) kunt bouwen of integreren; voor Web-ontwikkelaars is VoIP relevant via WebRTC, SIP-over-WebSocket en browser-API's voor het opzetten van directe audio/video-verbindingen. Veiligheid (SRTP, TLS), NAT-traversal (STUN/TURN) en QoS-instellingen op netwerken zijn gemeenschappelijke uitdagingen voor alle genoemde skillsets.

Vue.js

Vue.js is a progressive JavaScript framework for building user interfaces. It is designed to be incrementally adoptable, meaning you can use as little or as much of Vue as your project needs. Vue combines reactive data binding with a component system, offering an approachable learning curve while being powerful enough for complex applications with its ecosystem of tools.

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WAN

A WAN (Wide Area Network) is a network that connects multiple local networks (LANs) across large geographic distances, typically using ISP infrastructure. From a networking fundamentals perspective, a WAN involves routing, IP addressing, NAT, VPN tunnels, and important characteristics like bandwidth, latency, jitter and packet loss, plus mechanisms for quality management (QoS). For Audio/Video, Maker and Web disciplines, a WAN is the foundation for live streaming and file transfer, remote control of hardware or IoT devices, and making web servers and APIs reachable; each of these uses requires attention to latency, reliability and security over the WAN.

WEP

WEP (Wireless Equivalent Privacy) is an outdated Wi‑Fi encryption standard originally intended to provide comparable protection to wired networks. From a networking standpoint it uses the RC4 stream cipher and a small 24-bit initialization vector (IV), which leads to IV reuse, weak key scheduling and practical attacks that allow key recovery. For Audio/Video, Maker and Web contexts this matters because WEP does not provide reliable confidentiality, integrity, or strong authentication: audio and video streams can be eavesdropped or tampered with, IoT/maker hardware can be compromised, and web sessions or credentials transmitted over a WEP network are vulnerable to sniffing and man-in-the-middle attacks. WEP has been superseded by WPA/WPA2/WPA3 because of these fundamental flaws, and its use is strongly discouraged.

WPA

WPA (Wi‑Fi Protected Access) is a family of wireless security protocols that replaced WEP and later evolved into WPA2 and WPA3. It specifies how data between a wireless client and an access point is encrypted and authenticated, with modes such as PSK (pre‑shared key) and Enterprise (EAP) for stronger authentication. For Audio/Video, Maker and Web students, WPA matters because it affects confidentiality and integrity of network traffic, can influence performance (latency, packet loss) during streaming, and determines implementation and credential-handling choices for embedded devices and web services communicating over Wi‑Fi.

WebSocket

WebSocket is a communication protocol that provides full-duplex, bidirectional communication channels over a single TCP connection. Unlike HTTP where clients must repeatedly request data (polling), WebSocket maintains a persistent connection allowing both server and client to send messages at any time. This makes it ideal for real-time applications like chat, live notifications, gaming, and collaborative tools.

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