Tech Terms Glossary: The Guide for Non-Tech Business Owners
Navigating the world of iOS app development can feel like learning a new language.
If terms like APIs, wireframes, or backend development leave you scratching your head, you’re not alone.
This page is here to break down complex tech jargon into simple, easy-to-understand explanations so you can confidently manage your app project, communicate with developers, and make informed decisions—without the overwhelm.
Explore the key terms you need to know and take control of your iOS app journey with clarity and confidence!
Plus, this guide will continue to grow each week as new posts are published, ensuring you always have up-to-date explanations at your fingertips.
Swift
is a powerful and user-friendly programming language created by Apple for building apps on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple devices. It’s designed to be fast, secure, and easy to use, making app development more efficient and cost-effective. Swift allows developers to create high-quality mobile apps that enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and boost sales—all while ensuring a smooth and reliable user experience.
Objective-C
is an older programming language used to build apps for Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Before Swift, it was the main language for Apple app development. While still in use, especially for maintaining older apps, Objective-C is more complex and less efficient than Swift. If your app was built years ago, it might use Objective-C, but modern apps are typically developed in Swift for better performance and easier updates.
Xcode
is Apple's official software for building apps for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. It provides all the tools developers need to design, test, and launch apps efficiently. Think of it as a workshop where apps are created and fine-tuned before they reach customers. Xcode is important because it helps developers build high-quality, reliable apps that enhance customer experience and drive business growth.
API (Application Programming Interface)
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a tool that allows different software systems to communicate and share data with each other. Think of it as a bridge that connects apps, websites, or services, enabling them to work together smoothly. APIs can help integrate payment systems, customer databases, or third-party services like shipping or social media, making operations more efficient and enhancing customer experiences.
App Store Guidelines
are a set of rules and standards that Apple requires all apps to follow before they can be published on the App Store. These guidelines ensure that apps are safe, reliable, and provide a good user experience. They cover areas like security, privacy, content restrictions, and performance. Following these rules is essential to getting their app approved and available to customers, avoiding delays or rejections that could impact business growth.