Common Terms Explained
Don’t know what something means? Look it up here!
A
API - A way for different programs to talk to each other. Like a waiter taking your order to the kitchen.
App Directory - The main folder (app/) where your pages live.
C
CLI (Command Line Interface) - The terminal where you type commands. Like texting your computer instead of clicking.
Component - A reusable piece of your website. Like a LEGO block you can use multiple times.
CSS - Code that makes things look pretty (colors, fonts, spacing).
D
Deploy - Put your website online so others can see it.
Dependency - Code libraries your template needs to work. Like ingredients in a recipe.
Development Server - Running your template on your computer (only you can see it).
E
Environment Variable - Secret settings (like passwords) that you don’t want in your code.
F
Framework - A set of tools and rules for building websites. Next.js is a framework.
G
Git - A system for tracking changes to your code. Like “Track Changes” in Word.
GitHub - A website for storing and sharing code.
H
Homepage - The first page visitors see (usually page.tsx).
HTML - The basic language of websites. Defines structure and content.
I
Install - Download and set up software or code libraries.
J
JavaScript - The programming language that makes websites interactive.
JSX/TSX - Special code that mixes HTML and JavaScript/TypeScript.
L
Library - Pre-written code you can use in your project.
localhost - Your computer’s address when running websites locally.
localhost:3000 - Your computer’s address, door number 3000 (where your template runs).
M
Markdown - Simple way to write formatted text (like this documentation!).
MDX - Markdown plus the ability to use React components.
N
Next.js - The framework your template is built with.
npm - Tool for downloading code libraries. Like an app store for code.
node_modules - Folder containing all downloaded libraries. Don’t edit!
Node.js - Software that lets your computer run JavaScript.
P
Package - Another word for library (pre-written code).
Port - A “door” on your computer. Port 3000 is where your template runs.
Production - Your live website that everyone can see.
Props - Settings you pass to components. Like function parameters.
Public Folder - Where images and files that don’t change go.
R
React - Library for building user interfaces (what Next.js is built on).
Repository (Repo) - A project’s folder on GitHub.
Route - A page or URL on your website.
S
Server - A computer that hosts websites.
Server Component - React component that runs on the server (not in the browser).
SSR (Server-Side Rendering) - Building pages on the server before sending to browser.
Static - Content that doesn’t change (like images, fonts).
T
Tailwind CSS - Styling system using short class names.
Terminal - Window where you type commands.
TypeScript - JavaScript with type-checking (catches errors earlier).
U
URL - Web address (like https://example.com)
UI (User Interface) - What users see and interact with.
V
Vercel - Hosting platform (recommended for Next.js).
VS Code - Code editor program.
W
Webpack - Tool that bundles your code together.
Still Confused?
Ask us! Email: support@capricorn.engineering
Include:
- The term you’re confused about
- Where you saw it
- What you’re trying to do
We’ll explain it in simple terms!