Demystifying Technical Jargon: A Guide to Navigating the Developer’s World as a Product Owner

Communication is essential in the fast-paced world of technology and product development. Being a Product Owner is similar to learning a new language, one that is riddled with acronyms, buzzwords, and complex terminology. It’s like walking into a developer’s Wonderland, where the white rabbits have been replaced by JavaScript and the Cheshire Cat has been replaced by an effectively built API. You don’t need to be fluent in binary to be a Product Owner, but knowing the key technical terms can help you navigate the digital universe more efficiently. Let’s dive into this digital maze together.

1. Git: Git is like the magic spellbook for developers, allowing them to track changes in code. No, it’s not a derogatory term, but rather a powerful version control system that ensures your codebase doesn’t descend into chaos. Git is also a command-line tool used by developers to push, pull, and alter code in a repository.
2. CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment): CI/CD is not a developer code of conduct but rather a critical pipeline that automates testing and deployment. Continuous Integration (CI) allows multiple developers, like Mark working from his home laptop and Judith working from her office desktop, to independently write code for the same product. They can then merge their individual code changes into a central source repository. Afterward, the integrated code can be built and thoroughly tested to ensure it functions as intended. Continuous Delivery (CD) is a technique in which every time developers make code changes, integrate them, and build the code, it is automatically tested in environments similar to the production environment. A deployment pipeline is the sequence of deploying and testing across several environments. This pipeline typically consists of a development environment, a testing environment, and a staging environment, though the particular stages might vary based on the team, product, and organization.

3. Backlog: A backlog is a list of tasks that are awaiting development. The most critical items are displayed at the top of the product backlog so that the team knows what to deliver first. The development team is not moving through the backlog at the same rate as the product owner, and the product owner is not assigning work to the development team.

4. Application Programming Interface (API): APIs are like digital connectors that let different software programs talk to each other. It’s kind of like a special handshake that allows your app to work with other services, much like friends sharing a drink with two straws. APIs help data move between programs quickly and safely. Even though they’re made by developers for developers, they can also make things better for regular users. Imagine you’re using a food delivery app. You enter your location and what type of cuisine you’re craving, and in the blink of an eye, the app shows you a list of nearby restaurants that match your preferences. This quick search for restaurant options is made possible by the app’s Restaurant Search API, which can also be used by other apps.

This kind of back-and-forth communication can happen within the app or between different apps. It’s all about sharing information, whether it’s food choices, payment details, or location, to make things easy for users.

5. Structured Query Language (SQL): SQL is a language used to connect with databases, not a secret code. Consider it a treasure map for locating and retrieving valuable data in a buried chest (database).

6. Bug: One of the most commonly used words in software development is bug—but it’s not a welcoming one! Bugs are issues that cause software to behave in unexpected ways, neither expected by the user nor intended by the developer(s)

7. Caching: The process of storing data in a high-speed storage place for speedy retrieval is known as caching. Also known as memory caching, it is a technique in which computer applications temporarily store data in a computer’s main memory (i.e., random access memory, or RAM) to allow for quick retrieval of that data. The cache is the RAM that is used for temporary storage. Caching helps you utilize previously retrieved or computed data more effectively.

8. Database: A database is a structured collection of data organized for efficient retrieval, storage, and management.

As a Product Owner, you play a critical role in bridging the gap between the product team and business goals. You become the keyholder to the developer’s Wonderland by grasping these technical jargons, ensuring a smooth tour across the digital terrain. Accept the jargon and keep in mind that it’s not only about speaking the language; it’s about leading your team to create exceptional digital wonders.