Reference
Developer glossary
Plain-language definitions of the concepts, protocols and tools behind modern mobile and on-device development. Every entry is self-contained — read one to understand it, or follow the links to the Pocket Code tool that puts it to work.
Editor & language
LSPThe Language Server Protocol (LSP) is an open standard that lets a code editor talk to a separate language server over JSON-RPC.Multi-cursorMulti-cursor editing lets you place several insertion points in a document at once and type, select or delete at every one simultaneously.Syntax highlightingSyntax highlighting displays source code in different colours and fonts according to the role each token plays — keywords, strings, numbers, comments and identifiers.Code completionCode completion is an editor feature that suggests the rest of what you are typing — variable names, functions, methods, keywords or whole snippets — as you write.On-device executionOn-device execution means code compiles and runs directly on the local machine — a phone or tablet — rather than on a remote server.
Terminal & networking
PTYA pseudo-terminal (PTY) is a pair of virtual character devices that emulate a physical terminal in software.Terminal emulatorA terminal emulator is a program that reproduces the behaviour of a hardware text terminal inside a graphical window.SSHSSH (Secure Shell) is a cryptographic network protocol for operating a remote computer securely over an untrusted network.SFTPSFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is a secure protocol for transferring, browsing and managing files over an SSH connection.ADBADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a command-line tool that connects a computer to an Android device or emulator for development and debugging.
Databases
Embedded databaseAn embedded database runs inside the host application's own process rather than as a separate server.PostgreSQLPostgreSQL is a mature, open-source object-relational database known for strict SQL-standard compliance and reliability.SQLiteSQLite is a self-contained, serverless SQL database engine that stores an entire database in a single file.
APIs & protocols
REST APIA REST API is a web interface that exposes resources through URLs and standard HTTP methods — GET, POST, PUT, PATCH and DELETE.GraphQLGraphQL is a query language and runtime for APIs that lets a client request exactly the fields it needs in a single call.WebSocketWebSocket is a protocol that provides a persistent, full-duplex connection between client and server over a single TCP link.
AI & agents
BYOKBring Your Own Key (BYOK) is a model where you supply your own credential — an API key or OAuth login — to an application, which then calls a third-party service directly on your behalf.Agentic CLIAn agentic CLI is a command-line tool driven by a large language model that can plan and carry out multi-step tasks, not just answer questions.Multi-agent orchestrationMulti-agent orchestration coordinates several AI agents so they collaborate on one goal, each handling a specialised role — such as planning, coding, testing or review.
Automation
Platform & tooling
IDEAn IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is a single application that bundles the tools needed to write software: a code editor, a build or run system, a debugger and often version control, a terminal and testing tools.GitGit is a distributed version control system that records changes to files over time, letting you review history, revert mistakes and work in parallel through branches.Cloud syncCloud sync keeps files, projects or settings consistent across multiple devices by copying changes through a remote server.Offline-firstOffline-first is a design approach where an application works fully without a network connection, treating connectivity as an enhancement rather than a requirement.APKAn APK (Android Package Kit) is the file format Android uses to distribute and install apps.Mobile developmentMobile development is the practice of building software for smartphones and tablets.