Glossary

Quick reference for terms used in Kleap and web development.

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A

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API (Application Programming Interface)

A way for different software applications to communicate. Kleap sites are static-first; server-side logic and data are handled by the built-in Kleap Database when you need them.

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API Route

A server-side endpoint that handles HTTP requests (a common pattern in traditional web frameworks). Kleap sites are static — use the built-in Kleap Database for dynamic behavior instead.

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app_files

Kleap’s managed store and source of truth for every file in your site. Kleap versions your files for you — there’s no repo, sandbox, or local checkout to manage.

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Astro

The web framework Kleap builds with. Astro 5 produces fast, static-first sites (Tailwind CSS v4, TypeScript) and hydrates interactive React “islands” only where needed.

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Authentication

The process of verifying a user’s identity, typically through login with email/password or OAuth.

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Authorization

Determining what an authenticated user is allowed to do. Different from authentication.

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B

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Build

The process of compiling your app into optimized files for production deployment.

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Bundle

The compiled JavaScript files that are sent to the browser.

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C

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CDN (Content Delivery Network)

A network of servers distributed globally that serves your content from the nearest location to users.

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Client Component

A React component that runs in the browser. In Astro, add a client:* directive (e.g. client:load, client:visible) to hydrate it as an island.

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CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing)

Security mechanism that controls which domains can access your API.

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Credit

The unit of usage in Kleap. Each AI interaction consumes credits based on complexity.

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CRUD

Create, Read, Update, Delete - the four basic database operations.

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D

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Deployment

The process of publishing your app to make it accessible on the internet.

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DNS (Domain Name System)

The system that translates domain names (example.com) to IP addresses.

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DOM (Document Object Model)

The programming interface for HTML documents that allows JavaScript to manipulate page content.

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E

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Edge Function

Serverless functions that run at the edge (close to users) for faster response times.

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Environment Variable

A variable set outside your code that configures behavior (like API keys).

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F

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Favicon

The small icon that appears in browser tabs for your website.

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Framework

A pre-built structure that provides common functionality. Kleap builds sites with Astro.

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Frontend

The client-side part of an application that users interact with directly.

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G

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Git

Version control system for tracking code changes.

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GitHub

A platform for hosting Git repositories and collaborating on code.

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H

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Hook

In React, functions that let you use state and other features in functional components (useState, useEffect, etc.).

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Hot Reload

Automatic browser refresh when you make code changes during development.

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HTTPS

Secure version of HTTP that encrypts data in transit.

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Hydration

The process where React takes over server-rendered HTML and makes it interactive.

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I

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IDE (Integrated Development Environment)

A software application for writing code. Kleap has a built-in code editor.

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Island

An interactive component (such as a React island) hydrated on an otherwise static Astro page. Only islands ship JavaScript, keeping pages fast.

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J

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JSX

JavaScript XML - syntax extension that lets you write HTML-like code in JavaScript.

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JWT (JSON Web Token)

A secure way to transmit information between parties, commonly used for authentication.

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K

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Kleap

AI-powered platform for building Astro websites using natural language.

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Kleap Database

Kleap’s optional built-in database: a managed database that keeps each user’s data private, with built-in email/password accounts. Enable it on demand — there’s no external database to connect.

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L

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Lazy Loading

Technique of loading content only when needed, improving initial load time.

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Layout

A component that wraps pages to share common structure (header, footer, meta). Astro sites use layout components for this.

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M

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Metadata

Data about your page (title, description) used by search engines and social media.

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Migration

A database change script that modifies the schema.

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Middleware

Code that runs between a request and response, often for auth or redirects.

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N

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Node.js

JavaScript runtime that allows JavaScript to run on servers.

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NPM (Node Package Manager)

Tool for installing and managing JavaScript packages.

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O

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OAuth

Standard for authorization that allows users to grant access without sharing passwords.

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OG (Open Graph)

Protocol for controlling how your content appears when shared on social media.

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P

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Preview

The live view of your site while you build in Kleap — a real, ephemeral Astro build rendered in the editor.

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Production

The live version of your app that real users access.

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Props

Properties passed to React components.

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PWA (Progressive Web App)

A web app that can be installed on devices and work offline.

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R

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React

JavaScript library for building user interfaces. In Kleap, React powers interactive islands on Astro pages.

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Responsive Design

Design approach that adapts to different screen sizes.

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REST (Representational State Transfer)

Architectural style for designing networked applications.

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Route

A URL path that maps to a specific page or API endpoint.

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S

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SaaS (Software as a Service)

Software delivered over the internet on a subscription basis.

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Sandbox

An isolated environment for running code. Kleap previews Astro sites with an ephemeral in-editor build, so there’s no persistent sandbox to manage.

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Schema

The structure of your database (tables, columns, relationships).

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SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Practices to improve your site’s visibility in search results.

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Server Component

A React component that renders on the server (a concept in some frameworks). Kleap sites are static Astro, rendered ahead of time.

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Serverless

Computing model where the cloud provider manages servers automatically.

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SSR (Server-Side Rendering)

Rendering pages on the server before sending to the browser.

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State

Data that determines a component’s behavior and rendering.

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T

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Tailwind CSS

Utility-first CSS framework. Kleap styles Astro sites with Tailwind CSS v4.

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Template

Pre-built starting point for creating new apps.

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TypeScript

JavaScript with static type checking, used by Kleap apps.

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U

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UI (User Interface)

The visual elements users interact with.

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URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

Web address that points to a specific resource.

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UX (User Experience)

The overall experience a user has with your application.

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V

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Version Control

System for tracking changes to code over time (like Git).

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Version History

Record of changes made to your app over time.

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W

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Webhook

HTTP callback that sends data when an event occurs.

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WebSocket

Protocol for real-time, two-way communication between client and server.

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Need More Terms?

Missing a definition? Let us know on Discord or email [email protected].