A server-side web application framework written in Ruby under the MIT License. Rails is a model-view-controller (MVC) framework, providing default structures for a database, a web service, and web pages.

"Rails encourages the use of web standards such as JSON or XML for data transfer, and HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for user interfacing."

A playful term for dynamic reprogramming, allowing for the modification or extension of a programming language or environment at runtime.

"Duck punching in JavaScript can be used to add or modify methods of built-in objects or classes."

An architectural style for designing networked applications, relying on a stateless, client-server communication model.

"RESTful web services use HTTP requests to perform CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete) on data represented in XML, JSON, or other formats."

Using more resources or more complex technology than is needed for a particular task.

"Implementing a distributed database system for a small, single-user application would be considered overkill."

A process used by the software industry to design, develop, and test high-quality software.

"The SDLC includes phases such as planning, analysis, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance."