25 web app terms in plain English
If a proposal says “offline caching with IndexedDB persistence,” ask what happens to your checklist when the phone is lost. You do not need to memorize the vocabulary to ask a useful question.
The app and its screen
- PWA
- A web app designed to offer app-like features where the browser supports them.
- Browser
- The software you use to open websites, such as Safari, Chrome, or Edge.
- Native app
- An app built for a particular device platform using its application tools.
- Home screen
- The phone or tablet screen where you launch apps and shortcuts.
- Manifest
- A file describing an app’s name, icons, and preferred installed appearance.
- Service worker
- A script that can handle requests and support features such as cached offline pages.
Saving and moving records
- Cache
- A saved copy of files or responses used again later.
- Offline
- Without a usable network connection for the task.
- Local storage
- Data kept on the device. The specific localStorage API stores small text values.
- IndexedDB
- A browser database for structured local records.
- Export
- A copy of records in a file you can take elsewhere.
- Backup
- A separate recoverable copy of information you need to protect.
- Restore
- Putting saved information back into a usable app or storage location.
- Sync
- Coordinating records between devices or a server, including handling differences.
Publishing and using the app
- HTTPS
- An encrypted connection between the browser and the site’s server.
- Hosting
- The service that makes a website’s files or server available online.
- Domain
- The named address of a site, such as progressivewebapp.org.
- Responsive design
- A layout that adapts to different screen sizes.
- Accessibility
- Design that lets people with different abilities use the tool.
- Notification
- A message shown outside the app’s page when supported and permitted.
- Permission
- Approval for access or an action, such as using a camera.
- Update
- A change to the app’s code, content, or other files.
- Version
- An identifier for a particular release or record format.
- Account
- An identity used to sign in; it does not by itself prove backup or sync exists.
- Source code
- The editable instructions and files used to build the app.
Ask for a demonstration
When someone uses one of these terms, connect it to your task. Ask them to show an export, reopen a saved draft, or find a page without reception.
Write the answer into the handoff sheet. A term becomes useful when everyone understands what it means for the work in front of them.
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