Understand Your Developers: Tech Dictionary for Non-Technical People
Does your dev team speak in code and you nod without understanding? Stop pretending. Learn the 5 technical words you really need to communicate with developers.
❌ The problem:
Your technical team uses words nobody explained to you and you're embarrassed to ask.
✅ The solution:
This glossary explains tech in human language, with analogies you can use today.
API
Bridge that allows two applications to communicate with each other.
💡 Simple analogy:
It's like a waiter: you order (request), they take the order to the kitchen, and bring you what you asked for (response).
When to use it:
When discussing integrations with other platforms or why something 'can't connect'.
Framework
Pre-built structure to develop applications faster.
💡 Simple analogy:
Like IKEA: it gives you the pieces and manual, you just assemble. You don't invent the chair from scratch.
When to use it:
When asking why choose React vs. Angular, or why migrate technology.
Deploy
Publishing code from test environment to real production.
💡 Simple analogy:
Like taking a product from the factory (staging) to the store (production) where customers buy it.
When to use it:
When asking when a feature will be live, or why it can't be 'uploaded now'.
Sprint
Fixed 1-2 week cycle where the team commits to completing specific tasks.
💡 Simple analogy:
Like a mini-project with clear start and finish. At the end, they show what they achieved.
When to use it:
When planning timelines, or when you want to add 'one quick thing' mid-sprint.
Refactoring
Reorganizing code to make it cleaner and more efficient, without changing functionality.
💡 Simple analogy:
Like reorganizing your closet: the clothes are still the same, but now it's easier to find everything.
When to use it:
When they tell you 'we need 2 weeks for technical cleanup' and you don't understand why.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know how to code to understand this?
No. This glossary is designed for managers, PMs and founders without technical background. Everything explained with real-world analogies.
Is this enough to work with developers?
These 5 words cover 80% of daily conversations. They're what you'll hear most in meetings, emails and planning.
Why only 5 words?
Because better to master 5 and use them well, than know 50 superficially. These are the essentials. You can learn more later.
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