360-Degree FeedbackManagement · PracticeA feedback process that gathers perspectives from multiple people who work with an individual such as peers managers and direct reports.Read more
AccountabilityManagement · ConceptThe expectation that a person or team explains and answers for an agreed outcome.Read more
Action ItemProject & Execution · TermA specific follow-up task assigned to an owner with an expected outcome.Read more
Active UsersData & Analytics · MetricThe number of distinct users who perform a defined meaningful activity during a stated time window.Read more
ADRArchitecture Decision Record · Software ArchitectureA concise record of an important architecture decision and the reasons behind it.Read more
After HoursWorkplace Communication · PhraseTime outside the normal working hours agreed for a team role or location.Read more
AgendaWorkplace Communication · TermAn ordered outline of topics outcomes and time allocation for a meeting.Read more
AgileProject & Execution · ConceptA broad approach to product and software development based on short feedback cycles learning and adaptation.Read more
AlignmentManagement · ConceptA shared understanding of goals facts decisions roles and next actions.Read more
All-HandsWorkplace Communication · TermA meeting or update intended for everyone in an organization or a defined large group.Read more
API GatewaySoftware Architecture · TermA managed entry point that routes and applies shared policies to requests for backend APIs or services.Read more
ASAPAs Soon As Possible · Workplace CommunicationA request to act at the earliest practical time given current priorities and constraints.Read more
At RiskProject & Execution · PhraseA status indicating that an outcome date or commitment may be missed unless conditions improve.Read more
Automated TestingQA & Testing · PracticeThe use of software to execute checks compare results and report product behavior with limited manual repetition.Read more
Ballpark EstimateWorkplace Communication · PhraseA deliberately rough estimate used for early orientation before enough detail exists for a committed plan.Read more
BandwidthWorkplace Communication · PhraseThe amount of time attention or working capacity a person or team has available.Read more
Bare MetalSRE & DevOps · TermPhysical computing hardware used directly without a general-purpose virtualization layer between the operating system and the machine.Read more
Bike SheddingEngineering · PhraseSpending disproportionate time debating a simple issue while avoiding harder decisions.Read more
BitbucketEngineering · TermA code collaboration platform commonly referenced for Git repositories pull requests permissions and Atlassian-based engineering workflows.Read more
Blast RadiusEngineering · TermThe scope of systems users or functionality that could be affected by a failure or change.Read more
BlockerProject & Execution · TermAn issue that prevents meaningful progress on a task or outcome.Read more
Blue-Green DeploymentEngineering · PracticeA deployment practice that maintains two comparable production environments and switches traffic from the active version to the new one.Read more
Boil the OceanWorkplace Communication · PhraseTo attempt an unnecessarily broad or nearly impossible scope all at once.Read more
BranchEngineering · TermA named line of version-control history used to develop changes independently before or alongside integration.Read more
BRDBusiness Requirements Document · Project & ExecutionA document that states the business problem, goals, scope, and expected outcomes for a proposed change.Read more
BrownfieldEngineering · TermWork performed within or around an existing system and its constraints.Read more
Burn RateStartup & Business · MetricThe rate at which a company spends cash over a period usually stated monthly.Read more
Bus FactorEngineering · MetricThe number of people whose loss would seriously threaten a project's continuity.Read more
Buy-InManagement · TermActive support or commitment from people needed to make a decision succeed.Read more
Canary DeploymentEngineering · PracticeA rollout practice that exposes a new software version to a small subset of users instances or traffic before expanding it.Read more
Capacity EstimationProject & Execution · PracticeThe assessment of how much work a team can responsibly take on during a period after accounting for availability and constraints.Read more
Carry OverProject & Execution · TermWork moved into a later planning period because it was not completed in the current one.Read more
Check-InWorkplace Communication · TermA brief conversation or update used to understand progress wellbeing needs or changed context.Read more
Cherry-pickEngineering · TermA Git operation that applies the changes from a specific commit onto another branch.Read more
ChoreEngineering · TermA routine maintenance task that supports a codebase or delivery process without directly adding a user-facing feature.Read more
Circle BackWorkplace Communication · PhraseTo return to a topic or contact someone again at a later time.Read more
ClaudeEngineering · TermA family of AI models and assistant products from Anthropic used for tasks such as analysis writing coding and tool-assisted workflows.Read more
CloudSRE & DevOps · ConceptA model for accessing computing storage networking and managed technology services through remotely operated infrastructure.Read more
Code FreezeEngineering · PracticeA period when a team restricts non-essential code changes to reduce risk around an important event or business window.Read more
Code ReviewEngineering · PracticeA structured examination of a code change by someone other than its author.Read more
CohesionSoftware Architecture · ConceptThe degree to which responsibilities within a component belong together.Read more
ConfluenceWorkplace Communication · TermA team documentation tool commonly referenced as the place where internal pages project context and decisions are written or found.Read more
ConstraintProject & Execution · TermA limit or condition that restricts the available choices for delivering an outcome.Read more
Contingency PlanStrategy · TermA prepared alternative response used if a defined risk or unfavorable condition occurs.Read more
Continuous DeliveryEngineering · PracticeA practice of keeping software in a releasable state through automated build test and deployment processes.Read more
Continuous IntegrationEngineering · PracticeA practice of integrating small code changes frequently and validating the shared codebase with automated checks.Read more
CouplingSoftware Architecture · ConceptThe degree to which one component depends on knowledge or behavior of another.Read more
Critical PathProject & Execution · TermThe longest chain of dependent work that determines the earliest possible completion time for an effort.Read more
Custom FieldProject & Execution · TermA user-defined attribute added to a record when the default data model does not capture needed information.Read more
DashboardData & Analytics · TermA visual workspace that brings together selected metrics status and trends for monitoring or decisions.Read more
DASTDynamic Application Security Testing · SecurityA security testing approach that probes a running application from the outside to identify exploitable behavior.Read more
DeadlineProject & Execution · TermThe latest agreed time by which an outcome action or decision must be completed.Read more
DependencyProject & Execution · TermSomething a task system or team relies on to complete its work.Read more
DeploymentEngineering · TermThe act of installing or activating a software version in a particular environment.Read more
DeprioritizeWorkplace Communication · PhraseTo intentionally move work to a lower priority relative to more valuable urgent or feasible work.Read more
Design ReviewDesign · PracticeA structured evaluation of a design's intent flows states evidence constraints and readiness with relevant peers or stakeholders.Read more
Device ManagementSecurity · PracticeThe administration of organization-owned or enrolled devices through policies inventory configuration and remote controls.Read more
Distributed SystemSoftware Architecture · ConceptA system whose components coordinate across multiple networked computers.Read more
DRIDirectly Responsible Individual · ManagementThe one person primarily accountable for moving a specific outcome forward.Read more
Engineering ManagerManagement · TermA manager responsible for the health effectiveness and delivery environment of an engineering team.Read more
EscalationProject & Execution · TermRaising an issue to someone with the authority context or resources needed to resolve it.Read more
EstimateProject & Execution · TermA reasoned forecast of the effort duration cost or size of uncertain work.Read more
Fast-TrackWorkplace Communication · PhraseTo move work through a process faster than the usual sequence or timing.Read more
Fault ToleranceSoftware Architecture · ConceptA system's ability to continue operating when some components fail.Read more
Feedback LoopWorkplace Communication · ConceptA repeating cycle of action observation feedback and adjustment used to improve an outcome.Read more
FSDFunctional Specification Document · Project & ExecutionA document describing how a system should behave to meet agreed requirements.Read more
Gantt ChartProject & Execution · TermA timeline visualization that shows project tasks durations dependencies and milestones across a calendar.Read more
Gardening LeaveManagement · TermA paid notice period during which an employee remains employed but is asked not to perform regular work or access sensitive operations.Read more
Git WorktreeEngineering · TermAn additional working directory linked to the same Git repository so multiple branches can be checked out at once.Read more
GitHubEngineering · TermA code collaboration platform commonly referenced for repositories pull requests access controls and automated repository workflows.Read more
GitLabEngineering · TermA code collaboration platform commonly referenced for repositories merge requests CI/CD jobs permissions and project workflows.Read more
Go/No-GoProject & Execution · TermA formal decision point to proceed with or stop a planned launch change or operation based on agreed readiness criteria.Read more
Golden PathEngineering · TermThe recommended supported way to complete a common engineering task.Read more
GreenfieldEngineering · TermA project built without significant constraints from an existing implementation.Read more
Hard StopWorkplace Communication · PhraseA fixed time when someone must leave or an activity must end.Read more
Hybrid WorkWorkplace Communication · ConceptA work arrangement that combines time at a shared workplace with time working remotely.Read more
ICPIdeal Customer Profile · Startup & BusinessA description of the type of customer organization most likely to receive strong value and fit the business model.Read more
Information SecuritySecurity · ConceptThe discipline of protecting information and systems from unauthorized access alteration disclosure disruption or destruction.Read more
InfrastructureSRE & DevOps · TermThe foundational compute network storage runtime and supporting services on which software operates.Read more
InitiativeProject & Execution · TermA coordinated body of work intended to advance a meaningful strategic or operational outcome.Read more
JiraProject & Execution · TermA work-tracking tool commonly referenced when teams create tickets assign work update status or review a backlog.Read more
KickoffProject & Execution · TermThe meeting or activity that formally starts an initiative by establishing shared context goals roles and ways of working.Read more
KPIKey Performance Indicator · Data & AnalyticsA metric selected to indicate performance against an important business or operational objective.Read more
LayoffManagement · TermAn employer-initiated termination of roles usually driven by business restructuring cost reduction or changed priorities.Read more
Least PrivilegeSecurity · ConceptThe principle of granting only the access needed for a task and no more.Read more
Legacy SystemEngineering · TermAn existing system that remains important but is difficult to change support or integrate using current needs and practices.Read more
LinearProject & Execution · TermA work-tracking tool commonly referenced when product and engineering teams create issues plan cycles and monitor projects.Read more
Lowball OfferWorkplace Communication · PhraseAn offer intentionally or substantially below a reasonable expected range for the role asset or agreement.Read more
Meeting NotesWorkplace Communication · TermA durable record of discussion context decisions open questions and follow-up actions from a meeting.Read more
Merge ConflictEngineering · TermA version-control conflict that requires a person to reconcile incompatible changes before histories can combine.Read more
MetricData & Analytics · TermA quantitative measure used to monitor behavior performance or progress.Read more
MFAMulti-Factor Authentication · SecurityAn authentication method requiring evidence from two or more distinct factor categories.Read more
Microfrontend ArchitectureSoftware Architecture · ConceptAn approach that divides a frontend application into independently owned and composable slices.Read more
MicroservicesSoftware Architecture · TermAn architecture that divides a system into independently deployable services around capabilities.Read more
MilestoneProject & Execution · TermA meaningful checkpoint marking an important result decision or phase in a larger effort.Read more
MiroDesign · TermA collaborative visual workspace commonly referenced for brainstorming diagrams workshops retrospectives user flows and planning sessions.Read more
Mob ProgrammingEngineering · PracticeA development practice where several people work together at the same time on one problem through a shared working session.Read more
MonolithSoftware Architecture · TermAn application whose major capabilities are deployed as one integrated unit.Read more
MTBFMean Time Between Failures · SRE & DevOpsThe average operating time between one failure and the next.Read more
MTTRMean Time to Recovery · SRE & DevOpsThe average time needed to restore service after a failure.Read more
Non-GoalProduct · TermAn outcome or problem explicitly excluded from the current effort to protect focus and expectations.Read more
NotionWorkplace Communication · TermA collaborative workspace commonly referenced for internal documentation project notes knowledge bases and lightweight planning.Read more
Office HoursWorkplace Communication · TermA recurring open period when people can ask questions get guidance or discuss a topic without a separate appointment.Read more
OKRObjectives and Key Results · ManagementA goal-setting method that pairs a qualitative objective with measurable results showing progress toward it.Read more
On TrackProject & Execution · PhraseA status indicating that work is currently expected to meet its agreed outcome or timing.Read more
On-PremisesSRE & DevOps · TermTechnology deployed and operated within infrastructure controlled at an organization's own facilities or private locations.Read more
On-siteWorkplace Communication · TermA work arrangement or activity that requires people to be physically present at a specified workplace.Read more
One-on-OneManagement · TermA recurring private meeting between two people often a manager and direct report.Read more
One-PagerWorkplace Communication · TermA concise document that explains the essential context proposal evidence and requested decision on roughly one page.Read more
Over EngineeringEngineering · TermAdding more complexity or capability than the current problem requires.Read more
OwnershipManagement · ConceptResponsibility for driving an outcome including decisions follow-through and communication.Read more
Pair ProgrammingEngineering · PracticeA development practice where two engineers work together on the same problem while continuously discussing and reviewing the work.Read more
Parking LotWorkplace Communication · PhraseA list of relevant topics deferred from the current discussion so the meeting can stay focused.Read more
Paved RoadEngineering · TermA well-supported technical path that makes preferred practices easier to adopt.Read more
Penetration TestingSecurity · PracticeAn authorized assessment that actively attempts to exploit weaknesses in a defined system and scope.Read more
PICPerson in Charge · ManagementThe named person responsible for coordinating a task decision event or operational area in a given context.Read more
PIPPerformance Improvement Plan · ManagementA documented plan that sets performance concerns expected improvements support and a review period for an employee.Read more
PipelineEngineering · TermAn ordered series of stages that transforms or checks work before it reaches an output.Read more
PlaybookSRE & DevOps · TermA reusable strategy and set of actions for handling a broader situation.Read more
PostmortemSRE & DevOps · PracticeA retrospective document or meeting that records an incident's impact causes response and follow-up actions.Read more
PRDProduct Requirements Document · ProductA document that defines the problem intended outcome scope requirements and success criteria for a product change.Read more
Pre-ReadWorkplace Communication · TermMaterial shared before a meeting so participants can understand context and prepare useful input.Read more
PrioritizationProject & Execution · PracticeThe process of ordering choices by their relative value urgency risk and cost.Read more
PriorityProject & Execution · TermThe relative importance and order assigned to work when resources are limited.Read more
Product GoalProduct · TermA longer-term target describing a future product state that guides planning and backlog decisions.Read more
Push BackWorkplace Communication · PhraseTo challenge a request assumption priority or proposed approach with reasons and alternatives.Read more
Quality GateQA & Testing · TermA required set of checks or criteria that must pass before work advances to the next stage.Read more
Quick WinWorkplace Communication · PhraseA change that can deliver a visible useful result in a short time.Read more
RACIResponsible Accountable Consulted Informed · ManagementA responsibility model that clarifies who performs approves advises on and receives updates about work.Read more
RBACRole-Based Access Control · SecurityAn authorization model that grants permissions to roles and assigns people or systems to those roles.Read more
RCARoot Cause Analysis · SRE & DevOpsA structured investigation into the underlying conditions that produced an unwanted outcome.Read more
ReadoutWorkplace Communication · TermA structured presentation of findings progress or outcomes to people who need the context.Read more
RebaseEngineering · TermA Git operation that reapplies commits onto a different base commit and rewrites their history.Read more
RefactorEngineering · PracticeA change to internal code structure that preserves its intended external behavior.Read more
Release CandidateEngineering · TermA software build considered potentially ready for final release unless significant problems are found.Read more
Release TrainProject & Execution · TermA recurring release schedule that groups ready changes into planned delivery windows.Read more
Resource AllocationManagement · PracticeThe assignment of people time budget or infrastructure capacity across competing work.Read more
RFCRequest for Comments · Software ArchitectureA document that proposes a substantial change and invites review before a decision.Read more
RoadmapProduct · TermA directional view of intended product or technical outcomes and their expected sequence over time.Read more
RTORecovery Time Objective · SRE & DevOpsThe target maximum time for restoring a service after disruption.Read more
RunwayStartup & Business · MetricThe estimated time a company can continue operating before available cash runs out.Read more
SaaSSoftware as a Service · Startup & BusinessSoftware delivered as an ongoing online service that customers access rather than operate entirely themselves.Read more
SASTStatic Application Security Testing · SecurityA security testing approach that analyzes application source code or related artifacts without running the application.Read more
ScopeProject & Execution · TermThe defined boundaries of what an effort includes and excludes.Read more
Scope CreepProduct · TermUncontrolled expansion of work after a project begins without corresponding tradeoffs.Read more
Scope This DownWorkplace Communication · PhraseTo reduce the amount of work while preserving the most important outcome.Read more
ScrumProject & Execution · ConceptA lightweight framework for developing complex products through defined accountabilities events and iterative learning.Read more
SDLCSoftware Development Life Cycle · EngineeringThe overall process used to plan design build test release operate and maintain software.Read more
Semantic VersioningEngineering · PracticeA versioning convention that expresses compatibility changes with MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH numbers such as 2.4.1.Read more
SemgrepSecurity · TermA static analysis tool commonly used to scan code with rules for security defects code quality and engineering standards.Read more
ServiceSoftware Architecture · TermA software capability exposed through a defined interface and operated for one or more consumers.Read more
Sign-OffProject & Execution · TermAn explicit confirmation from an authorized person that work may proceed or be considered accepted.Read more
Single Point of FailureSoftware Architecture · TermA component whose failure can stop an entire critical system or workflow.Read more
Skip-LevelManagement · TermA meeting between an employee and a manager above their direct manager.Read more
SlackWorkplace Communication · TermA workplace communication platform commonly referenced through channels threads direct messages mentions and notifications.Read more
Socialize ThisWorkplace Communication · PhraseTo share an idea with relevant people early enough to gather feedback and build understanding.Read more
SpikeEngineering · PracticeA time-limited investigation used to reduce technical or product uncertainty before committing to a solution.Read more
SpreadsheetData & Analytics · TermA grid-based document used to organize calculate analyze and share structured information.Read more
Sprint PlanningProject & Execution · PracticeA Scrum event where the team agrees on a sprint goal and selects a realistic set of work.Read more
Sprint RetrospectiveProject & Execution · PracticeA recurring team reflection on how the last sprint went and what to improve next.Read more
Sprint ReviewProject & Execution · PracticeA Scrum event where the team and stakeholders inspect the sprint outcome and adapt what to do next.Read more
Squash MergeEngineering · PracticeA merge method that combines multiple commits from a branch or pull request into one commit on the target branch.Read more
SSOSingle Sign-On · SecurityAn authentication arrangement that lets employees use one organizational identity to access multiple connected systems.Read more
StakeholderManagement · TermA person or group affected by a decision or able to influence its outcome.Read more
State ManagementSoftware Architecture · ConceptThe approach used to store update synchronize and expose data that changes while an application runs.Read more
Story PointProject & Execution · TermA relative unit some teams use to compare the effort complexity and uncertainty of backlog items.Read more
Success CriteriaProduct · TermThe observable conditions used to judge whether an effort achieved its intended outcome.Read more
Take This OfflineWorkplace Communication · PhraseTo continue a discussion outside the current meeting thread or audience.Read more
TakeawayWorkplace Communication · TermThe main conclusion lesson or implication someone should retain from information or discussion.Read more
Task BreakdownProject & Execution · PracticeThe process of decomposing a goal or deliverable into smaller understandable pieces of work.Read more
Tech StackSoftware Architecture · TermThe set of technologies frameworks platforms and infrastructure used to build and operate a product.Read more
Technical DebtEngineering · ConceptThe future cost created when a team chooses a faster or simpler technical solution today.Read more
Test CoverageQA & Testing · MetricA measure or description of which code paths requirements risks or behaviors are exercised by tests.Read more
Test PyramidQA & Testing · ConceptA testing model favoring many fast focused tests and fewer broad end-to-end tests.Read more
Threat ModelSecurity · TermA structured description of assets attackers trust boundaries threats and mitigations for a system.Read more
TimeboxProject & Execution · PracticeA fixed maximum period allocated to an activity after which the team reviews stops or changes approach.Read more
TimelineProject & Execution · TermThe expected sequence and timing of activities milestones dependencies and decisions for an effort.Read more
TL;DRToo Long; Didn't Read · Workplace CommunicationA short summary of the essential point from a longer message or document.Read more
ToilEngineering · TermManual repetitive operational work that scales with service growth and creates little lasting value.Read more
Trade-OffStrategy · ConceptA decision where improving one outcome requires accepting a cost or reduction in another.Read more
Trunk-Based DevelopmentEngineering · PracticeA development practice where contributors integrate small changes frequently into one shared main branch.Read more
Two-Way DoorStrategy · TermA decision that can be reversed at acceptable cost after learning from the outcome.Read more
UATUser Acceptance Testing · Project & ExecutionTesting by business users or representatives to confirm a solution meets agreed needs.Read more
UMLUnified Modeling Language · Software ArchitectureA standard visual notation used to describe software structure behavior and interactions through several diagram types.Read more
UnblockProject & Execution · PhraseTo remove or work around the condition preventing useful progress.Read more
VelocityProject & Execution · MetricThe amount of relatively sized work a team completes during a sprint or iteration.Read more
VulnerabilitySecurity · TermA weakness that can be exploited to compromise confidentiality integrity or availability.Read more
What Good Looks LikeWorkplace Communication · PhraseA request to make the desired outcome or quality standard concrete.Read more
WorkloadProject & Execution · TermThe amount and mix of work assigned to a person team or system.Read more
Yak ShavingEngineering · PhraseA chain of seemingly necessary side tasks that delays the original task.Read more
Zero TrustSecurity · ConceptA security approach that continuously verifies access instead of trusting requests based only on network location.Read more
