August 2017 - Code Curmudgeon

I’m often bemused by words in the software industry aka computer science. It’s generally OK when industries just make up new words for something...

Definitioner

vulnerability

This is a tricky word, especially in application security or cybersecurity. The simple definition in a software context is that the code has some problem that could be exploited by someone at some point. Some think of it as a piece of code with a proven exploit, IE a static analysis violation with a stack trace and values used. This is a very narrow definition that probably doesn't help improve the state of the art. I prefer the idea that it's code that is exploitable based on the body of knowledge (as encapsulated in software coding standards).

CAN (Controller Area Network)

Controller Area Network aka CAN aka CAN Bus is a wiring standard for vehicles that enables communication between various components and devices without having a host computer. For example doors, brakes, transmission.

false positive

A result that is incorrect. Strictly speaking, it means that the tool providing the answer got it wrong. Generally it has a broader usage, meaning an error message that the developer doesn't think is important or real, either because of context or misunderstanding by the developer.

AI (HTML5)

HTML5 is the most recent version of the HTML standard. It is a language used to create web pages. Currently it is a draft standard, but it supported by all major browsers. HTML4 is the current actual standard.

AI (AJAX)

Asynchronous JavaScript and XML. It's a set of web technologies that help create interactive web applications.

AI (Flash)

Web-based multimedia platform. Used for putting animation, interactivity, and video on web pages.

AI (BASIC)

Beginners All Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. A programming language designed specifically for beginners.

artificial intelligence

An attempt to make computers work/talk/act like people. Traditional definitions included a simple test that if a person dealing with a computer, for example via a keyboard and monitor, could not tell that there was a computer on the other end, then it was artificial intelligence. Modern definitions are more strict.

AI (artificial intelligence)

Monthly Archives: August 2017

Software Terms Without Definitions