Web design definitions can feel overwhelming. Understanding web design terminology is essential when working on a new website or collaborating with a web designer. Just like any industry, web design has its own language to effectively communicate design elements. Here are the top 25 web design definitions you need to know:
Web Design Definitions List
404
One of the most important web design definitions is a 404. A 404 is an error a user will see when they reach a page that does not exist. This type of error usually occurs because your website is trying to access something that was deleted or a user typed in an incorrect URL.
Algorithm
An algorithm is a set of steps that will carry out specific tasks. In the computer programming world, it’s a process that is written by code to help solve problems. For example, an algorithm was created to rank websites on search engines by using a set of codes to properly rate websites.
Backend
The term backend refers to all of the pages on a website that users cannot see. This includes things like servers, operating systems, and databases.
Cache
Cache is a web design definiton that refers to a temporary storage location for copies of data and files. In order to make websites load faster, web browsers will cache (or store) images, Javascript, and HTML files. The same process can be applied to DNS and CDN servers.
Call To Action (CTA)
One of the top web design definitions is a call to action. A Call to Action is a specific image, item, or text that is used to persuade a user to take an expected action, such as “Sign up for our newsletter” or “Download this file”.
Content Management Stystem (CMS)
A Content Management System is a software that helps users manage, create and modify content without having to know lengthy code such as JavaScript or HTML. If you don’t use a CMS for your website, you would have to create your own system for storing web pages, images, and videos, which is a lot of work.
Cookies
What is the web design defintion of cookies? Cookies are small files stored on a computer that contain information about a client. This includes information like how they interact with a website, what sections of a website they visit the most and how they like to browse. This allows the server to tailor information sent over to a user.
CSS
CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheet (CSS). CSS is used to create the feel and look of a website. Recently, CSS has been used to replace older programming languages such as HTML and JavaScript.
DNS
DNS stands for Domain Name Servers. It controls your domain name’s website and email. When a user wants to visit your website, the DNS settings help point them to the correct server to make sure they’re landing on the correct website.
Domain
The domain is a web design definition that descirbes the name of your website. A domain can be up to 63 characters and can be any combinations of letters and numbers. It’s a unique address that once purchased cannot be used by another person unless they purchase the rights to the domain.
Favicon
A Favicon is an icon that represents your website. The favicon is located in the tab browser next to the page name. For example, if you open google in a new tab, you see a colorful G favicon show up next to the name of the website.
Frontend
What is the web design definiton of a frontend? The frontend is the opposite of the backend and is also known as the User interface. The frontend refers to all the pages a user can see when visiting a website such as Home page, FAQ, About, Contact, Blog, etc.
Hosting
Hosting is a service that allows individuals and organizations to rent space on a web server to store website files and make their website accessible to the world.
HTML
HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language. HTML is a language used to write and format web pages in a specific way.
Hyperlink
A hyperlink a link that takes you from one page to another page. Frequently, you might see a hyperlink located on text or images which are highlighted in some way.
IP Address
What is the web design definition of an IP address? An IP Address is a unique set of numbers that is used to identify a device connected to the internet or an office.
Landing page
A landing page is the first page that a user lands on when visiting a website.
SEO
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. For search engines to find your site, you must be able to present your content in an orderly way to your customers. Search engines search through the pages of your website to find the content relevant to the customers that are searching for it.
Navigation
The Navigation refers to the elements on a website that help direct a user through the site. This can often be referred to as a menu and is usually located at the top of the page.
Page Speed
Page speed refers to how long it takes for all your content to load on a web page.
Page Template
A page template is a unique layout for a page of a website. Usually websites have multiple page templates.
Plugin
A plugin is a software that can be installed on a Content Management system that allows you to add various features to your website.
Responsive Web Design
Responsive web design is a web design definition that describes a way of designing a website to include features like flexible images and layouts. The goal is to build a website that can be reflected on any type of device and display the same information.
URL
URL stands for Uniform Resource Locater. It acts as an address that points a user to where on the internet a site is located.
Conclusion: Top Web Design Definitions
There are plenty more keywords that are used in web design, but this is a great place to start. Knowing these top 25 web design definitions will help you navigate the world of design a little easier. Best of luck!
