interfaces
Where systems meet
Interfaces are points of connection between separate systems—where one thing meets and interacts with another.
A computer interface allows user and machine to communicate: a graphical user interface displays icons and menus; an application programming interface lets software components exchange data.
Beyond computing, interface describes any boundary where interaction occurs: the interface between science and policy.
As a verb, to interface is to connect or interact, though this use sounds corporate: We'll interface with the marketing team.
Prescribed conduct rules
- APISoftware communication standard
- gatewayPoint of access
- routerPacket-forwarding network device
- portDocking place for ships
socket · endpoint · bridge · adapter · middleware · firewall · proxy · webhook
Software communication standard
- libraryBook collection or building
- SDKProgramming tools bundle
- moduleIndependent functional component
- classGrouping by shared traits
method · function · object · abstraction · encapsulation · inheritance · polymorphism · callback
Visual computer interface
- APISoftware communication standard
- UXUser interaction design
- touchscreenInput-sensitive display panel
- dashboardVehicle control panel
menu · toolbar · dropdown · widget · modal · command-line · CLI · frontend
Ease of interaction quality
- accessibilityEase of approach
- ergonomicsStudy of work efficiency
- intuitiveKnown without reasoning
- user-friendlyEasy to operate
haptic · gesture · feedback · biometrics · adaptive · neural · prosthetics · cochlear
Thin tissue sheet
- surfaceOutermost boundary layer
- thresholdPoint of beginning
- junctionPoint where things meet
- layerSingle thickness of material
partition · separation · demarcation · permeable · semipermeable · barrier · intersection · interstice
Connector between groups
- mediatorNeutral conflict resolver
- intermediaryAgent linking two parties
- go-betweenAgent connecting separate parties
- translatorOne who renders between languages
interpreter · facilitator · coordinator · diplomat · negotiator · bridge-builder · ombudsman · spokesperson
protocol
Prescribed conduct rules
port · socket · endpoint · bridge · adapter · middleware · firewall · proxy · webhook · REST
API
Software communication standard
class · method · function · object · abstraction · encapsulation · inheritance · polymorphism · callback · parameter
GUI
Visual computer interface
- APISoftware communication standard
- UXUser interaction design
- touchscreenInput-sensitive display panel
dashboard · menu · toolbar · dropdown · widget · modal · command-line · CLI · frontend · backend
usability
Ease of interaction quality
- accessibilityEase of approach
- ergonomicsStudy of work efficiency
- intuitiveKnown without reasoning
user-friendly · haptic · gesture · feedback · biometrics · adaptive · neural · prosthetics · cochlear · sensory
membrane
Thin tissue sheet
layer · partition · separation · demarcation · permeable · semipermeable · barrier · intersection · interstice · lamina
liaison
Connector between groups
- mediatorNeutral conflict resolver
- intermediaryAgent linking two parties
- go-betweenAgent connecting separate parties
translator · interpreter · facilitator · coordinator · diplomat · negotiator · bridge-builder · ombudsman · spokesperson · representative
- graphic designlogo, font, typography, layout, color
- programsprograms, program, software, applications, apps
- settingssetting, default, settings, template, configure
- IT systemssoftware, server, hardware, servers, databases
- connectorscable, cables, connector, connectors, wires
- programmingvariables, functions, for, function, debugger
interfacessilos
Farm storage towers
standalone systems · isolation · disconnection · closed systems · air gaps
interfacesimplementations
Concrete versions of abstractions
internals · cores · interiors · inner workings · guts
interfacesimplementations
Concrete versions of abstractions
realizations · instantiations · specifics · particulars · details
- software interfaceProgram's control surface
- user interfaceHuman-computer interaction system
- touch interfaceFinger-operated control surface
- web interfaceBrowser-accessible software front
- neural interfaceSystem connecting minds to machines
- digital interfaceElectronic interaction point