Terminology

This page will attempt to explain the wording used in other parts of the documentation. So check back here when you're not sure what something means. It's also a good starting point for finding good keywords to do google searches with.

Micro/SD

Either an SD or MicroSD card, depending on your model 3DS. New3DS models will use MicroSD, whereas everything else makes use of SD cards for data storage.

C/++

Either the C, or C++ language. Both work, and it depends on your personal preference which one you use for homebrew 3DS development. If you're not sure: C++ supports object oriented programming, including polymorphism, inheritance, encapsulation, and many more high-level features which are missing from C. Note: C++11 is, in fact supported on DevKitPro

DevKitPro

A version of the GCC compiler specifically made for homebrew development on a variety of platforms. You can install it on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X, and it can produce software for (among others) Gameboy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Playstation Portable, Nintendo Gamecube, and more.

Compiler

A program that can turn your programming code into a working application.

Syntax

The rules that define how to structure a language (not just a programming language).

Linker

A program that takes the various compiled parts created by the compiler, and combines them. It also tells the resulting binary where to find the libraries it uses

Binary

In the context of Files, it refers to the executable application file. Ie: on windows this would be *.exe files. In the context of writing code, it refers to numbers and data formatted as 1's and 0's, also known as bits.