No-code glossary

A no-code agency is a type of company that uses no-code tools to create software products for client businesses. They save time and money by quickly developing functional applications, websites, and other digital products.

An API, or application programming interface, is a set of protocols that allows different software programs to communicate. With a no-code API, people can use visual tools and pre-built integrations to easily connect different software programs together without needing to write any code themselves.

An API endpoint is a specific URL that allows you to access a particular set of data or functionality within an API. When you make a request to an API endpoint, you're essentially asking the API to provide you with a specific piece of information or perform a particular action.

User authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user who is trying to access an app or website. It usually involves asking the user to provide a username and password or login via other means, and then checking that information against a database to ensure that it is correct.

Directual's coding mode is a feature of the Directual platform that allows users to customize and improve their projects using custom code. This means that users with coding experience can write and upload their own code to add new features and functionality to their Directual applications.

Directual's D-coin is a crypto currency based on Ethereum that is used as a way of paying for certain features and services. Users can purchase D-coins (or get them via promo-codes) and then use them to pay for things like API requests, custom domains, and additional storage.

Directual's data structure is essentially the way that data is organized and stored within the platform. Users can create custom data structures that define the types of data they want to store and how that data is related to other data in their project.

Directual's data types are basically the different types of data that users can store within the Directual platform. Some examples of data types in Directual include text, numbers, dates, and Boolean values.

Directual Query Language, or DQL, is a language that users can use to query and manipulate data within the Directual platform. DQL allows users to perform complex operations on their data, such as filtering, sorting, and grouping, and it gives them a lot of flexibility in how they work with their data.

A no-code database is a type of database that allows users to create and manage databases without needing to write any code. Instead, users can use visual tools and drag-and-drop interfaces to define their database schema, add data, and perform queries.

A no-code developer is someone who creates apps or websites using no-code platforms or tools. No-code developers don't need to know how to write traditional code, but they do need to be familiar with the visual tools and interfaces used by the no-code platform they're working with.

In Directual, an event is a trigger that is used to initiate a specific action or set of actions within an app. For example, an event might be triggered when a user submits a form, and that event could then be used to send a notification or update a database record.

An expression is a way of manipulating and transforming data within an app. Expressions are written using a specific syntax and can be used to perform tasks like filtering data, performing calculations, and formatting text.

A no-code framework is a pre-built set of tools used to create applications or websites without needing to write any code. Where a no-code platform is as a product, a framework is as a process.

No-code frontend development tools typically use visual editors and drag-and-drop interfaces to allow users to create UI code-free.

A GET request is a type of request that a client (such as a web browser) makes to a server in order to retrieve data. GET requests involve sending a URL and any necessary parameters to the server, which then responds with the requested data or information.

In Directual, an integration is a way of connecting a user's application with other third-party tools and services. Directual has pre-made integrations such as Facebook, Google, OpenAI, and web3 integrations.

Low-code is a type of software development that emphasizes using visual interfaces and drag-and-drop tools to build applications quickly. Coding skills are skill required, but to a much lesser extent.

A no-code marketplace is a platform where users can find and purchase pre-built components, templates, and other tools that can be used to build apps code-free.

NoSQL is a type of database designed to handle unstructured or semi-structured data, such as documents, images, and video. Directual uses cloud-based NoSQL databases for all of its data exchange and backend needs.

NFT stands for "non-fungible token", a type of digital asset representing a unique item. NFTs are used to verify ownership of said items, such as artwork, music, or video, and are often sold or traded on blockchain marketplaces. Directual can help you distribute and manage NFTs on your platform.

A no-code platform is a software development environment with visual interfaces and drag-and-drop tools that allows users to build applications without needing to write any code.

A plugin is a pre-built module or extension that can be added to your Directual app to add new functionality. Plugins are created by the Directual team and can be developed manually as well.

A portal is a custom user interface that can be built and deployed to provide access to your Directual app’s functionality. Portals are used to create a wide range of projects, such as customer portals, HR dashboards, and more, and can be customized to match your brand and design requirements.

A post-request is a type of HTTP request used to send data to the server. It is often used to create new resources or update existing ones in a database.

A report is a custom document or dashboard that displays data from your Directual app in a structured format. Reports provide real-time analytics, and can be customized with charts, graphs, and other visual elements to help you better understand your app's data.

A scenario is a sequence of pre-defined steps executed in a specific order to automate a process. In Directual, there are a number of pre-made scenarios that are used to automate a wide range of tasks, such as sending notifications, processing orders, or updating records in your database.

Smart contracts are self-executing blockchain programs that automatically enforce the terms of a contract or agreement between two or more parties. Smart contracts are often used as cryptocurrencies, to automate transactions and ensure that all parties are held accountable to the terms of the agreement.

Snapshot is a captured part of the app, or the entire app itself. It can be used to preserve previous data versions and carry over chunks of your app onto a new version or other projects. A snapshot contains data structures, API-endpoints, app settings, web-pages, scenarios and data. Snapshot can be deployed to the app in two ways: merging or substituting.

Directual SLA (Service Level Agreement) defines the level of service a customer can expect from Directual, including performance, uptime, and response time.

In Directual, steps are pre-built modules used to perform actions or functions as part of a scenario. Steps can be combined to create complex scenarios that automate a wide range of tasks, and can be customized with inputs and outputs to tailor their behavior to your specific use case.

A string is a data type that represents a sequence of characters or text. Strings are used to store and manipulate text data, and can be combined with other data types to create more complex data structures.

Templating is the process of using placeholders or templates in your data structures or scenarios. By using templating, you can create data structures that can adapt to changing requirements, or generate output based on user inputs or other factors.

A template is an app snapshot created by you, Directual, or a third-party developer. You can find a variety of templates, including both free and paid options, on the Directual marketplace.

In Directual, testing helps to be sure that your scenarios, APIs, or other components are working as intended. By running tests, you can identify and fix bugs or issues before deploying your app. There is a separate testing environment, with debugging tools and mock API calls.

Variables store and manipulate data within a scenario or API. They can hold a wide range of data types, including strings, numbers, and boolean values, and can be manipulated through various expressions.

A wallet holds the private and public keys necessary to access and spend the cryptocurrency funds held within it. In Directual, wallets on Ethereum, NEAR, and Polygon networks can be connected.

Web3 is the third generation of internet technology, focused on the development of decentralized applications (or dApps) that operate on blockchain networks. Dapps use cryptocurrencies and smart contracts to create trustless and transparent systems open to everyone.

Webhooks an HTTP-based callback function that helps an two apps exchange data with each other. Basically, it’s a way for apps to communicate without a pre-made integration in place.

Directual's web page builder is a tool used to create and design custom web via a drag-and-drop interface. Users can add forms, tables, charts and other web elements to their pages and publish them later.

The white-label feature allows users to customize the platform with their own branding, making it as if it were their own product rather than a third-party service.