Cloud computing terminology
Explore this glossary of essential terms to deepen your understanding of cloud computing
Featured cloud terms
Small language models
What are small language models (SLMs)?
Learn how SLMs help people innovate faster and more efficiently using fewer resources than larger models. Explore SLM use cases and advantages.
Large language models
What are large language models (LLMs)?
Machine learning
What is machine learning?
RAG
What is retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)?
Cloud terminology
Explore cloud terms with short definitions and links to in-depth articles for further learning.
AI
What is AI?
Systems that imitate human intelligence to learn, reason, solve problems, and make decisions.
AI
AI vs. machine learning
AI performs tasks like reasoning; machine learning uses large datasets to train AI systems.
AI
What is AI as a service (AIaaS)?
Delivers AI tools and services via the cloud, such as machine learning and computer vision.
AI
What is face recognition?
Uses AI-powered computer vision to identify or verify individuals by analyzing their facial features.
AI
What is a GPT?
Neural network models that analyze data and interpret and produce text, images, and sounds.
AI
What is cognitive AI?
AI that simulates human thought to analyze data, learn from it, and make decisions.
AI
What is computer vision?
AI that processes visual data to analyze images, read text, detect faces, and recognize objects.
AI
What is deep learning?
AI that uses neural networks to learn from large datasets and make predictions.
AI
What are large language models (LLMs)?
AI systems that use large datasets and machine learning to understand and generate natural language.
AI
What is machine learning?
Uses algorithms to analyze data, identify patterns, make predictions, and improve over time.
AI
Machine learning algorithms—the math and logic behind machine learning
Programs that learn from data to find patterns, make predictions, and improve automatically.
AI
What is model as a service (MaaS)?
Provides cloud access to pre-trained machine learning models to simplify AI app development.
AI
What is retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)?
Makes AI responses more reliable by retrieving external data to improve accuracy and relevance.
AI
What are small language models (SLMs)?
Smaller language models designed to perform specific tasks using fewer resources than larger models.
AI
What are multimodal LLMs?
AI systems that integrate text, images, and audio, creating a more holistic understanding of data.
AI
What is natural language processing (NLP)?
A field of AI that enables machines to understand and respond to human language.
AI
What is reinforcement learning?
A machine learning approach where systems learn through experience.
AI
What is an AI model?
The engine inside an artificial intelligence system that learns from data to perform tasks.
AI
What is an AI platform?
An end-to-end, unified environment used for designing, customizing, and managing AI solutions.
Data
What is big data analytics?
Software and tools to analyze large datasets and uncover patterns, trends, and insights.
Data
What is caching?
Storing frequently accessed data in a temporary storage location for faster retrieval.
Data
What is data governance?
Managing data availability, usability, integrity, and security within an organization.
Data
What is data integration?
Combining data from multiple sources to create a unified view for analysis and decisions.
Data
What is a data lake?
A centralized repository for storing large volumes of structured and unstructured data at scale.
Data
What is data migration?
Moving data to a new location or platform, often from on-premises systems to the cloud.
Data
What is data science?
Extracting insights from data using techniques like statistics, machine learning, and data analysis.
Data
What is a data warehouse?
A centralized repository that stores structured and semi-structured data for reporting and analysis.
Data
What is database sharding?
Splitting a database into smaller partitions called shards to improve performance and scalability.
Data
What are databases?
Collection of data stored on a computer system for efficient retrieval and management.
Data
What are NoSQL databases?
Databases that store and manage unstructured or semi-structured data without using SQL tables.
Data
What is PostgreSQL?
Open-source relational database system known for its flexibility, scalability, and SQL compliance.
Data
What is a relational database?
A database that stores data in tables with predefined relationships for efficient, flexible access.
Data
What is SQL database?
A relational database that uses structured query language (SQL) for managing and querying data.
Data
Scaling up vs. scaling out
Scaling up adjusts computing power; scaling out adjusts the number of machines or resources.
Cloud computing basics
What is the cloud?
A network of remote servers that store, manage, and process data over the internet, instead of locally.
Cloud computing basics
What is cloud computing?
Provides computing services over the internet, such as storage, processing, and software.
Cloud computing basics
What is cloud migration?
Moving digital assets from an on-site location or another cloud to a cloud computing environment.
Cloud computing basics
What is a cloud service provider?
A company that offers cloud computing services, such as storage, processing, and software.
Cloud computing basics
What is a cloud server?
A virtual server hosted on the cloud that provides computing resources like storage and processing.
Cloud computing basics
What is cloud storage?
Stores data on remote servers accessed via the internet, offering scalability, backup, and sharing.
Cloud computing basics
What is cloud infrastructure?
The hardware and software components that support cloud computing, including servers and storage.
Cloud computing basics
What is multicloud?
Using multiple cloud providers to boost performance, increase flexibility, and avoid vendor lock-in.
Cloud computing basics
What is a hybrid cloud?
Combines public and private clouds to share data and applications for greater flexibility.
Cloud computing basics
What is a private cloud?
Delivers cloud services via the internet or private network for use by a single organization.
Cloud computing basics
What is a public cloud?
Delivers scalable, on-demand computing resources over the internet for use by multiple customers.
Cloud computing basics
What is platform as a service (PaaS)?
Provides a cloud-based platform for developers to build, deploy, and manage applications.
Cloud computing basics
What is software as a service (SaaS)?
Delivers software over the internet—accessible via a web browser and typically sold by subscription.
Cloud computing basics
What is infrastructure as a service (IaaS)?
Provides virtual computing resources—like servers, storage, and networking—over the internet.
Cloud computing basics
What is edge computing?
Processes data closer to its source to reduce latency, increase speed, and improve efficiency.
Cloud computing basics
What is elastic computing or cloud elasticity?
Dynamically adjusts resources based on demand to optimize performance and cost efficiency.
Cloud computing basics
What is grid computing?
Connects multiple computers to work together on complex tasks and share resources efficiently.
Cloud computing basics
What is cloud bursting?
Optimizes resources by shifting workloads from private to public clouds during periods of peak demand.
Cloud computing basics
What is serverless computing?
Allows developers to build and run applications without managing servers—and scales automatically.
Cloud basics
What is cloud architecture?
The design and structure of cloud components that enable scalable, on-demand services.
Infrastructure
What is a container?
Packages software and dependencies to run consistently across environments, from dev to production.
Infrastructure
What is disaster recovery?
A strategy and process to restore IT systems and data to maintain continuity after disruption.
Infrastructure
What is Kubernetes?
An open-source platform for automating deployment, scaling, and management of containerized apps.
Infrastructure
Kubernetes vs. Docker
Kubernetes manages containers at scale; Docker creates and runs individual containers.
Infrastructure
What is virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)?
Delivers desktop environments via remote servers, providing access from any device.
Infrastructure
What is a virtual machine?
Software that emulates a physical computer, running an operating system and applications.
Infrastructure
What is a virtualization?
Creates simulated versions of hardware or systems to optimize resources and flexibility.
Infrastructure
What is a virtual private network (VPN)?
A highly secure, encrypted connection that protects data and privacy over the internet.
Application development
What is application modernization?
Updates legacy software using newer technologies, architectures, and development practices.
Application development
What is DevOps?
Practices that speed software delivery and improve collaboration between development and operations.
Application development
What is Internet of Things (IoT)?
A network of interconnected devices that collect and exchange data via the internet.
Application development
What is Java Spring Boot?
A framework for building standalone, production-ready Spring applications.
Application development
What is middleware?
Software that connects different applications, allowing them to communicate and share data.
Application development
What is mobile application development?
The process of creating software applications for mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Application development
What is application migration?
The movement of applications from on-premises to the cloud or between different cloud environments.
Quantum computing
What is quantum computing?
The use of quantum mechanics to run calculations on specialized hardware.
Quantum computing
What is a qubit?
The basic unit of information in quantum computing.
Get the Azure mobile app 
