A2A

application to application

Integration between two applications without human intervention.

A2H

application to human

One-way interaction, application to human, as in flight monitors or "push" technology.

abduction

logic

To create hypotheses about probable causes from patterns observed. This is the primary source of new knowledge. Data mining is essentially an abductive process. See also induction and deduction.

abstract

class or ontology design

More generalized representation (e.g., animal is more abstract than bear).

accidental

problem/solution

The complexity of a solution that is introduced by the tools and methods of solving the problem. See essential.

accretive

changes, especially to a system

Changes that add on gradually, without disruption, similar to the way a river changes its contour by silting up at the bends. Antonym: evulsive.

acronym

lexical

Word formed from the initial letters of a compound word or phrase.

acyclic

hierarchy, graph, network

Does not loop recursively. If you were one of your own ancestors, you would have a cyclic family tree.

adapters

software

Small software components that bind an interface to an existing application.

agent

software

Autonomous software program acting on a user's behalf.

aggregate

model

Type of relationship that implies ownership.

agile methods

methodology

Approach to software development that relies on the design and the requirements emerging from the process of building and interacting with the sponsors of the project. See XP.

algorithm

software

Procedural, step-by-step method to solve a given problem.

aliases

vocabulary

Synonym.

ambiguity

vocabulary

Definition or...