List of 50 essential technology terms beginning with “Z”, ideal for learners, professionals, and tech enthusiasts exploring computing, networking, software, and hardware.
Technology words that start with Z with meaning
The following are technology words that start with Z:
1. Zettabyte
A data unit equal to one sextillion (10²¹) bytes, used for measuring massive storage capacity.
2. Zigbee
A low-power, wireless mesh networking protocol often used in IoT and smart-home systems.
3. Z-Wave
A proprietary wireless protocol designed for home automation and appliance control.
4. Z-buffer
A graphics buffer that stores pixel-depth data to manage visibility in 3D rendering.
5. Zero-day Exploit
A security vulnerability exploited by attackers before developers issue a fix.
6. Zombie Process
A completed process that remains listed in system process tables awaiting cleanup.
7. Zip
A popular file compression format that bundles multiple files into one archive.
8. Zip Bomb
A malicious archive designed to crash or overload decompression utilities.
9. Zone File
A DNS file used to map domain names to IP addresses.
10. Zoom
A leading video conferencing tool facilitating remote meetings and webinars.
11. Z shell (zsh)
A feature-rich Unix shell known for advanced scripting and customization options.
12. Z++
An object-oriented language extension based on C++.
13. Z-buffering
The process of using a depth buffer to determine pixel visibility in 3D graphics.
14. z/OS
IBM’s enterprise-grade operating system for mainframe computers.
15. Z3
A theorem prover developed by Microsoft for verifying logical assertions.
16. Zilog Z80
A widely used 8-bit microprocessor foundational to many early personal computers.
17. Zip Drive
A high-capacity removable disk storage format from the 1990s.
18. Zip Disc
The storage medium used in Zip drives, offering megabyte-level capacity.
19. zip() Function
A programming tool that pairs elements from two or more lists into tuples.
20. Zipcode
A postal code system also utilized in software for geographic localization.
21. Z-MODEM
A file-transfer protocol featuring robust error correction and batch transfers.
22. ZOG
An early hypertext system from the 1970s.
23. Zork
A pioneering text-based adventure game executed on the Z-machine emulator.
24. zorkmid
The fictional in-game currency used in the dialogue of Zork.
25. ZX Spectrum
A popular 1980s home computer from Sinclair Research.
26. ZX-80 / ZX-81
Early home computers by Sinclair, predecessors to the Spectrum.
27. ZIF (Zero Insertion Force)
A socket type enabling insertion/removal of chips without physical force.
28. ZEROTH Indexing
The concept of starting array indices from zero in programming languages.
29. ZEST
A scripting environment or toolkit often used for test automation.
30. ZetaLisp
An enhanced version of Lisp programming language with added features.
31. ZF Expression
Part of Z specification used for formal mathematical modeling in software.
32. ZFC (Zermelo–Fraenkel with Choice)
A widely accepted axiomatic foundation for modern set theory.
33. Zilog Z8000 Series
A line of 16–32-bit microprocessors developed after the Z80.
34. Zip Functionality
In programming, the operation that merges multiple lists element-wise.
35. Zipf’s Law
A principle that common elements in datasets appear disproportionately often.
36. Z-buffer Occlusion
The technique of hiding objects that are behind closer geometry in 3D scenes.
37. Zombie Computer
A compromised system controlled remotely, often part of a botnet.
38. Zmodem Protocol
A reliable file-transfer protocol built on top of XMODEM/YMODEM with enhanced features.
39. Zettascale Computing
Supercomputing at the zetta-FLOPS scale (10²¹ operations per second).
40. Zero Trust
A cybersecurity model requiring strict identity verification for all access attempts.
41. Zero-width Joiner (ZWJ)
A Unicode character used to join emoji and script characters.
42. Zero-downtime Deployment
A deployment strategy enabling system updates without service interruptions.
43. Z-order Curve
A space-filling curve used for multidimensional data indexing.
44. Z-test
A statistical test used to determine if differences are significant in a dataset.
45. ZXing (Zebra Crossing)
An open-source library for decoding barcodes and QR codes.
46. ZFS
A high-integrity file system offering pooled storage and snapshot features.
47. ZMODEM
(See Zmodem Protocol) — a fault-tolerant file transfer method.
48. Z-Wave Alliance
A consortium that manages Z-Wave wireless protocol standards.
49. Zebra Printer
A label printer brand commonly used in logistics and barcode printing.
50. Z-Wave Network
A mesh network architecture designed for smart home device communication.