English for Software Engineers: 25 words with examples
B1–C125 words
Learn terms used in code reviews, issue reports and releases. The examples connect each term to a concrete engineering task.
Where you will use it: Software teams, code reviews and technical documentation.
English for Software Engineers — The word list
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| repository | A storage location for project code and history.“Clone the repository before making changes.” |
| commit | A saved set of changes in version control.“This commit fixes the typo.” |
| branch | An independent line of development.“Create a branch for the feature.” |
| merge | To combine changes from different branches.“Merge the branch after review.” |
| pull request | A proposal to review and integrate code changes.“Please review my pull request.” |
| debug | To find and fix errors in a program.“We need to debug the login flow.” |
| bug | An error that causes incorrect program behavior.“This bug affects search results.” |
| regression | A problem introduced in something that worked before.“Add a test for the regression.” |
| deploy | To release software to an environment.“We deploy the app on Fridays.” |
| rollback | Returning software to an earlier version.“The failed release required a rollback.” |
| dependency | A package or service another program relies on.“Update the outdated dependency.” |
| endpoint | An address where an API accepts requests.“This endpoint returns the user profile.” |
| request | A message asking a service to perform an action.“The request timed out.” |
| response | Data returned after a request.“The response contains three records.” |
| latency | The delay before a system responds.“High latency makes the page feel slow.” |
| throughput | The amount of work processed in a given time.“The queue has higher throughput now.” |
| cache | Storage used to reuse data quickly.“Clear the cache after the update.” |
| schema | A definition of data structure.“The schema includes an email field.” |
| authentication | Checking who a user is.“Authentication is required to sign in.” |
| authorization | Checking what an identified user may do.“Authorization prevents unauthorized edits.” |
| refactor | To restructure code without changing its behavior.“We refactored the payment module.” |
| unit test | A check of a small isolated part of code.“Write a unit test for this function.” |
| code review | An examination of another developer's changes.“The code review found a security issue.” |
| backward compatible | Working with earlier versions or interfaces.“The API update is backward compatible.” |
| release | A version of software made available to users.“The next release improves performance.” |
Useful learning tips
- Learn in small groupsTake five words at a time and review them before adding more.
- Say the examples aloudReading each sentence aloud connects spelling, sound and meaning.
- Write your own sentenceUse each word in a true sentence about your life or work.
How to study this list
Add five or six of these words a day rather than the whole list at once, keep the example sentence on the card, and review them when they come due. WordNest schedules each word across seven growing intervals — same day, then 1, 3, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days — so the list is still with you months later. Read how spaced repetition works if you want the reasoning behind those numbers.
Studying english for software engineers pairs well with our Financial and Accounting English and Business English, or browse all free English word lists.
Related guides
Questions about this list
How can I practise English for Software Engineers?
Start with five words and say each example aloud. Then recall the word from its meaning and review it over several days.
Where can I use English for Software Engineers?
Software teams, code reviews and technical documentation.
How many words are in this list?
This list contains 25 English words with definitions and example sentences. It is a starting set, not a complete syllabus.
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