S

SAML

See also Security Assertions Markup Language (SAML).

Safe Search

A Google search in which links with pornographic content are minimized or excluded whenever possible.

Schema

A formal method for describing the structure of a database, storage technology, or data transfer technique such as XML. The schema defines the requirements for constructing the object in question. For example, a schema for a relational database would include information on the structure of tables, fields, and relations within the database.

Script

Usually associated with an interpreted macro language used to create simple applications, productivity enhancers , or automated data manipulators. Most operating systems support at least one scripting language. You'll also find scripting capability in many higher end applications such as Web browsers and word processors. Scripts are normally used to write small utility type applications rather than large-scale applications that require the use of a compiled language. In addition, many script languages are limited in their access to the full set of operating system features.

SDK

See also Software Development Kit (SDK).

Search Terms

One or more keywords combined with Boolean logic and specialized search conditions to form a phrase that expresses a search. For example, when using Google, the search term DataCon Services “VBA site: http://www.mwt.net, would locate all links that included the term DataCon Services , but wouldn't include VBA , on the http://www.mwt.net domain.

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

A digital signature technology used for exchanging information between a client and a server. Essentially an SSL-compliant server will request a digital certificate from the client machine. The client can likewise request a digital certificate from the server. Companies or individuals obtain these digital certificates from a third party vendor like VeriSign or other trusted source that can vouch for the identity of both parties.

Security Assertions Markup Language (SAML)

A technique for securing XML-based data communications that depends on the use of specialized tags. This technology defines mechanisms to exchange authentication, authorization, and non- repudiation information between client and server. It relies on a single sign-on technique to ensure the user doesn't receive constant requests for authentication information. SAML follows a four step process in which the caller makes a service or resource request, the SAML server requests authentication information, the SAML server uses the authentication information to open a session with the remote server, and finally, the caller receives an URL to use to access the service or resource.

Security Token

A number or other unique symbol used to identify a requestor (user or other entity). The security token acts as a key that allows a requestor to obtain resources from a secure location.

Serializer

Specialized software used to convert data chunks , such as a string or a file, into individual bits for transmission to a remote location. The act of serializing data makes it possible to transfer large quantities of data as individualized bits and then reconstruct the original form at the remote location.

SGML

See also Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML).

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)

One of the most commonly used protocols to transfer text (commonly mail) messages between clients and servers. This is a stream-based protocol designed to allow query, retrieval, posting, and distribution of mail messages. Normally, this protocol is used in conjunction with other mail retrieval protocols like point of presence (POP). However, not all uses of SMTP involve email data transfer. Some Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) applications have also relied on SMTP to transfer application data.

Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP)

A Microsoft-sponsored protocol that provides the means for exchanging data between COM and foreign component technologies like Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) using XML as an intermediary. SOAP is often used as the basis for Web services communication. However, a developer could also use SOAP on a LAN or in any other environment where machine-to-machine communication is required and the two target machines provide the required infrastructure.

SLN

See also Solution File (SLN).

Smartphone

A special form of the cellular telephone that normally includes a larger display, better processing capabilities, and more memory. The Smartphone makes some types of advanced development possible. However, a Smartphone doesn't posses the same capabilities of some handheld devices such as the Pocket PC or Palm. Some programming environments, such as Visual Studio .NET, provide special support for the Smartphone.

SMTP

See also Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP).

SOAP

See also Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP).

Software Development Kit (SDK)

A special add-on to an operating system or an application that describes how to access its internal features. For example, an SDK for Windows would show how to create a File Open dialog box. Programmers use an SDK to learn how to access special Windows components such as the Component Object Model (COM) or the Media Player.

Solution File (SLN)

The file used by Visual Studio and other development environments to store application settings such as special file views and a list of the files contained within the application. The solution file is the central storage location for application-specific information that doesn't affect the actual application code.

SSL

See also Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).

Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML)

A specification for defining document format originally created for the publishing industry. Most developers consider SGML too complex for standard display purposes. However, both XML and HTML are based on SGML.

Static Data

Information that doesn't change. For example, many Web sites provide static data output; the information remains the same from visit to visit.

Stop Words

Search terms that Google doesn't recognize as appropriate. Most small words such as "to" and "the" are stop words. Words that contain numbers and the numbers themselves are stop words. Adding a + (plus sign) in front of the stop word tells Google to consider it as one of the search terms.

Structured Query Language (SQL)

Most Database Management Systems (DBMSs) use this language to exchange information. Some also use it as their native language. SQL provides a method for manipulating data controlled by the DBMS. It defines which table or tables to use, what information to get from the table, and how to sort the information. A typical request will include the name of the database, table, and columns needed for display or editing purposes. SQL can filter a request and limit the number of rows using special features. Developers also use SQL to manipulate database information by adding, deleting, modifying, or searching records. IBM research center designed SQL between 1974 and 1975. Oracle introduced the first product to use SQL in 1979. SQL originally appeared on mainframe and minicomputers. Today it's a favorite language for most PC DBMS as well. There are many versions of SQL.

SQL

See also Structured Query Language (SQL).