Glossary

A comprehensive reference of technical terms, acronyms, and concepts used throughout this workshop.

A

Absolute Path

A complete file path that specifies the exact location of a file from the root of the file system or from a protocol (like https://). Example: https://stacks.stanford.edu/file/druid:abc123/image.jpg

API (Application Programming Interface)

A set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. Like a waiter taking orders between you (client) and the kitchen (server).

API Endpoint

A specific URL where an API can be accessed. Example: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Special:EntityData/

Array

A data structure that holds multiple values in a single variable, accessed by index numbers. Example: ['red', 'blue', 'green']

Asynchronous

Code that doesn't block execution while waiting for operations (like network requests) to complete. Allows other code to run while waiting.

Attribute (HTML)

Additional information added to HTML elements. Example: <div id="map" class="container"> - id and class are attributes.

await

A JavaScript keyword used with async functions to pause execution until a Promise resolves. Must be inside an async function.

B

Boolean

A data type with only two possible values: true or false.

Box Model

The CSS concept that every element is a rectangular box with content, padding, border, and margin.

Box Sizing

CSS property that determines how width and height are calculated. border-box includes padding and border in the total dimensions.

Browser

Software application used to access and display web pages (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).

C

Callback Function

A function passed as an argument to another function, to be executed later. Example: array.map(callback)

CDN (Content Delivery Network)

A network of servers that delivers web content quickly from locations close to users. Example: unpkg.com hosts JavaScript libraries.

Chroma Key

Technical term for the green/blue transparency technique used in COG masking.

CircleMarker

A Leaflet marker type that draws a circular shape at a specific location on the map.

Claims (Wikidata)

The properties and values associated with a Wikidata entity. Example: P170 (creator) claim on an artwork.

Class (CSS)

A selector that can be applied to multiple HTML elements. Defined with . in CSS. Example: .map-container { }

Client-Side

Code that runs in the user's browser, not on a server.

COG (Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF)

A special format of GeoTIFF files optimized for cloud storage and web streaming, allowing partial reading without downloading the entire file.

Concatenation

Combining strings together. Example: 'Hello ' + 'World' results in 'Hello World'

Coordinates

Numbers that specify a location. In mapping: [longitude, latitude]. Example: [-122.169, 37.427]

CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing)

A security feature that controls whether web pages can request resources from different domains.

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)

A language for describing how HTML elements should be displayed (colors, layout, fonts, etc.).

D

Defensive Programming

Writing code that checks for potential errors before they occur. Example: if (data) { use(data); }

Digital Repository

A system for storing, managing, and providing access to digital content over time.

Digital Stacks

Stanford's infrastructure for accessing files stored in the Stanford Digital Repository via HTTP URLs.

div

An HTML element used as a container to group other elements. Example: <div id="container">...</div>

DOCTYPE

Declaration at the start of an HTML document that tells the browser which version of HTML is being used. Example: <!DOCTYPE html>

DOM (Document Object Model)

A programming interface for HTML documents. Represents the page structure as a tree of objects that can be manipulated with JavaScript.

DRUID (Digital Repository Unique Identifier)

Stanford's identifier format for digital objects. Pattern: 2 letters + 3 numbers + 2 letters + 4 numbers. Example: ab123cd4567

E

Element (HTML)

A component of an HTML document defined by tags. Example: <p>This is an element</p>

Encode/URL Encoding

Converting special characters in URLs to a format safe for transmission. Example: space becomes %20

Entity (Wikidata)

An item in Wikidata with a unique identifier (Q-number) representing a concept, object, person, etc.

Event

An action that happens in the browser (click, scroll, key press) that can trigger JavaScript code.

Event Listener

JavaScript code that watches for specific events and executes functions when they occur.

External Stylesheet

A separate CSS file linked to an HTML document, rather than styles written inline or in <style> tags.

F

Feature (GeoJSON)

A geographic object with geometry and properties. Example: A point representing an artwork's location.

FeatureCollection (GeoJSON)

A GeoJSON object containing an array of features.

fetch API

A modern JavaScript interface for making HTTP requests. Returns a Promise.

Flexbox

A CSS layout method that arranges elements in rows or columns with flexible sizing and spacing.

Function

A reusable block of code that performs a specific task. Can accept input (parameters) and return output.

G

GeoJSON

A format for encoding geographic data structures using JSON. Defines features with geometry and properties.

georaster

A JavaScript library for working with raster geographic data in the browser.

georaster-layer-for-leaflet

A Leaflet plugin that displays georaster data (like COGs) as map layers.

GeoRasterLayer

A Leaflet layer type that displays raster geographic data.

Georeferencing

The process of associating geographic coordinates with image pixels.

GeoTIFF

A file format for storing geospatial raster images with geographic metadata.

Geometry (GeoJSON)

The shape and location data of a geographic feature (Point, LineString, Polygon, etc.).

H

Head (HTML)

The section of an HTML document containing metadata, title, links to stylesheets, and scripts. Not displayed directly.

Helper Function

A utility function that performs a specific subtask, making main code cleaner and more reusable.

hex color

A color format using hexadecimal notation. Example: #FF5733 (red-green-blue values)

hover

CSS pseudo-class for styling elements when the mouse pointer is over them. Example: button:hover { }

href

HTML attribute specifying the URL a link points to. Example: <a href="page.html">Link</a>

HTML (HyperText Markup Language)

The standard language for creating web pages, using tags to structure content.

HTML5

The latest version of HTML, introducing semantic elements, multimedia support, and improved APIs.

HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol)

The protocol used for transferring web pages and resources over the internet.

HTTPS (HTTP Secure)

The secure version of HTTP, using encryption to protect data transfer.

I

ID (HTML)

A unique identifier for an HTML element. Defined with id attribute and selected in CSS with #. Example: <div id="map"></div>

Inception (Wikidata)

Property P571 in Wikidata, indicating when something was created or founded.

Indentation

Spaces or tabs at the beginning of code lines to show structure and nesting.

Index (Array)

The position of an item in an array, starting from 0. Example: array[0] is the first item.

innerHTML

JavaScript property that gets or sets the HTML content inside an element.

Inline Style

CSS written directly in an HTML element's style attribute. Example: <div style="color: red;">

Integrity

An attribute ensuring that a loaded file hasn't been tampered with, using a cryptographic hash.

J

JavaScript (JS)

A programming language that runs in browsers, adding interactivity and dynamic behavior to web pages.

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)

A text format for storing and exchanging data, usingkey-value pairs. Example: {"name": "value"}

K

Key-Value Pair

A fundamental data structure where a key (name) is associated with a value. Example: "color": "red"

L

Label (Wikidata)

The name or title of a Wikidata entity in different languages.

Latitude

Geographic coordinate measuring north-south position (-90° to +90°). Second number in coordinate pairs.

Layer (Leaflet)

Visual content displayed on a map (tiles, markers, shapes, images).

Leaflet

A JavaScript library for creating interactive maps in web browsers.

Linked Data

A method of connecting related data across different sources using references (like Wikidata items linking to other items).

HTML element that links external resources, commonly stylesheets. Example: <link rel="stylesheet" href="styles.css">

Longitude

Geographic coordinate measuring east-west position (-180° to +180°). First number in coordinate pairs.

Loop

A programming structure that repeats code multiple times. Example: for (let i = 0; i < 10; i++)

M

mainsnak

The primary value in a Wikidata claim, as opposed to qualifiers or references.

Margin

CSS property defining space outside an element's border.

Marker

A visual indicator on a map showing a specific location.

Mask (COG)

A vector boundary defining which parts of a raster image to display, hiding everything outside.

Meta Tag

HTML elements providing metadata about the page (charset, viewport, description).

Method

A function that belongs to an object. Example: array.map(), string.toUpperCase()

N

Nested

Elements or data structures contained within others. Example: <div><p>Nested</p></div>

Node

A point in a tree structure, like elements in the DOM.

Null

A JavaScript value representing "no value" or "nothing."

O

Object

A JavaScript data structure storingkey-value pairs. Example: {name: "John", age: 30}

onEachFeature

Leaflet callback function executed for each GeoJSON feature, often used to attach popups or event handlers.

OpenStreetMap (OSM)

A free, editable map of the world created by volunteers.

Overflow

CSS property controlling what happens when content is too large for its container. Values: visible, hidden, scroll, auto.

P

Padding

CSS property defining space inside an element's border, between border and content.

Panel

A section of the interface, typically containing specific information or controls.

Parameter

A variable in a function definition that receives values when the function is called.

parseGeoraster

A function from the georaster library that reads and parses raster geographic data.

Path (file)

The location of a file in a directory structure. Can be relative or absolute.

pointToLayer

Leaflet callback function that converts GeoJSON point features into Leaflet layers (like markers).

A small window that appears on a map when clicking a marker or feature.

proj4

A JavaScript library for transforming coordinates between different projection systems.

Promise

JavaScript object representing the eventual completion or failure of an asynchronous operation.

Property (CSS)

An aspect of style that can be set. Example: color, font-size, margin

Property (JavaScript)

A value associated with an object, accessed with dot or bracket notation. Example: object.property

Property (Wikidata)

A specific type of data in Wikidata, identified by P-numbers. Example: P18 (image), P170 (creator)

Protocol

The first part of a URL specifying the communication method. Example: https://

PURL (Persistent Uniform Resource Locator)

Stanford's permanent URLs for catalog records. Example: https://purl.stanford.edu/abc123xyz456

Q

QID (Q-number)

A Wikidata entity identifier starting with Q. Example: Q47522966

R

Raster

Geographic data represented as a grid of pixels (like satellite imagery), as opposed to vector data.

Regex (Regular Expression)

A pattern used to match and extract text. Example: /\d{4}/ matches 4-digit numbers.

Relative Path

A file path specified relative to the current file's location. Example: collection/data.json

Repository

A storage location for digital content or code.

Resolution (map)

The level of detail in raster data, determining how many pixels are displayed.

Response

Data returned from an API request.

Return

A statement that ends function execution and optionally provides a value back to the caller.

RGB

A color model using Red, Green, Blue values. Example: rgb(255, 87, 51)

RGBA

RGB color with an Alpha (transparency) channel. Example: rgba(255, 87, 51, 0.5)

S

Script Tag

HTML element that loads or contains JavaScript code. Example: <script src="app.js"></script>

SDR (Stanford Digital Repository)

Stanford's system for preserving and providing access to digital content.

Selector (CSS)

A pattern used to select HTML elements for styling. Examples: #id, .class, element

Semantic HTML

Using HTML elements according to their meaning (e.g., <header>, <nav>, <article>).

Server

A computer that provides resources or services to other computers (clients) over a network.

setView

A Leaflet method that sets the map's center coordinates and zoom level.

Special:EntityData

A Wikidata API endpoint for retrieving entity data in various formats.

Special:FilePath

A Wikimedia Commons endpoint that returns image files directly.

String

A data type representing text. Created with quotes: "text" or 'text'

Synchronous

Code that executes line-by-line, blocking until each operation completes before moving to the next.

T

Tag (HTML)

Markers that define HTML elements. Example: <p>, </p>, <div>

Template Literal

JavaScript string syntax using backticks, allowing variable interpolation. Example: `Hello ${name}`

Ternary Operator

JavaScript shorthand for if-else: condition ? valueIfTrue : valueIfFalse

Tile

A small image piece that combines with others to form a complete map.

Tile Layer

A map layer composed of tile images loaded from a server.

Try-Catch

JavaScript error handling structure that attempts code and catches errors if they occur.

Type (data)

The kind of value: string, number, boolean, object, array, null, undefined.

U

Undefined

JavaScript value automatically assigned to variables that haven't been given a value.

unpkg

A CDN for loading npm packages directly in browsers. Example: https://unpkg.com/leaflet

URI (Uniform Resource Identifier)

A string identifying a resource (includes URLs and URNs).

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

A web address specifying the location of a resource. Example: https://example.com/page.html

URL Encoding

SeeEncode/URL Encoding

V

Value

The data assigned to a variable, property, or passed to a function.

Variable

A named container for storing data values. Declared with var, let, or const.

Vector (geographic)

Geographic data represented as points, lines, and polygons with exact coordinates.

Viewport

The visible area of a web page in the browser window.

Viewport Meta Tag

HTML tag that controls page scaling on mobile devices. Example: <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width">

W

Web Application

An application accessed through a web browser rather than installed software.

Wikidata

A free, open knowledge base of structured data that can be read and edited by humans and machines.

Wikimedia Commons

A free media repository containing images, videos, and other files that can be used by anyone.

X

XHR (XMLHttpRequest)

An older API for making HTTP requests in JavaScript (largely replaced by fetch).

Z

Zoom (map)

The level of magnification on a map. Higher numbers show more detail. Typical range: 0-19.

Symbols and Special Characters

{ } (Curly Braces)

Used for:

  • JavaScript object literals: {key: value}
  • Code blocks: if (true) { }
  • CSS rule sets: .class { property: value; }

[ ] (Square Brackets)

Used for:

  • JavaScript arrays: [1, 2, 3]
  • Array/object access: array[0], object['key']
  • CSS attribute selectors: [type="text"]

( ) (Parentheses)

Used for:

  • Function calls: function(argument)
  • Function parameters: function(param1, param2)
  • Grouping expressions: (a + b) * c

. (Dot)

Used for:

  • Object property access: object.property
  • CSS class selectors: .className
  • Decimal numbers: 3.14

# (Hash/Pound)

Used for:

  • CSS ID selectors: #idName
  • Hex colors: #FF0000
  • URL fragments: page.html#section

$ (Dollar Sign)

Used in:

  • Template literals for variable interpolation: ${variable}
  • jQuery selector: $('#element') (not used in this workshop)

=> (Arrow)

JavaScript arrow function syntax: (param) => { return value; }

... (Spread/Rest Operator)

JavaScript operator for expanding or collecting values: [...array], function(...args)

`` (Backticks)

JavaScript template literal delimiters: `String with ${variable}`

// (Double Slash)

  • JavaScript single-line comment: // This is a comment
  • URL path separator: https://example.com/path/file

/ / (Slash-Asterisk)

Multi-line comment in JavaScript and CSS: /* Comment */

Acronyms Quick Reference

  • API = Application Programming Interface
  • CDN = Content Delivery Network
  • COG = Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF
  • CORS = Cross-Origin Resource Sharing
  • CSS = Cascading Style Sheets
  • DOM = Document Object Model
  • DRUID = Digital Repository Unique Identifier
  • GeoTIFF = Geographic Tagged Image File Format
  • HTML = HyperText Markup Language
  • HTTP = HyperText Transfer Protocol
  • HTTPS = HTTP Secure
  • JS = JavaScript
  • JSON = JavaScript Object Notation
  • OSM = OpenStreetMap
  • PURL = Persistent Uniform Resource Locator
  • RGB = Red Green Blue
  • RGBA = Red Green Blue Alpha
  • SDR = Stanford Digital Repository
  • URI = Uniform Resource Identifier
  • URL = Uniform Resource Locator
  • XHR = XMLHttpRequest

Additional Resources

This glossary supports the "Hacking Stanford Libraries" workshop materials and is compatible with HonKit/GitBook documentation systems.

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