Are you developing a Prestashop store or working with this e-commerce platform? This Prestashop glossary contains all the technical definitions you need to master this ecosystem.

After nearly twenty years developing exclusively on Prestashop, I’ve found that a good understanding of technical vocabulary makes the difference between a successful project and a failure. Knowing what a hook is, an override or how to optimize the cache allows you to better manage your project.

This Prestashop glossary covers all the essential concepts: modules, themes, APIs, SEO and conversion. Each term is explained simply, with concrete examples. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, developer or project manager, these definitions will help you navigate the PrestaShop world with confidence.

What is a sitemap?
A sitemap serves as a crucial file that catalogs all important pages of your online store, thereby facilitating their discovery by search engines like...
What is an API?
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules and protocols that enables your PrestaShop store to communicate automatically with other software and...
What is a marketplace?
An e-commerce marketplace is a digital platform that connects multiple sellers and buyers, functioning as a centralized technological intermediary. In the online commerce universe,...
What is a conversion funnel?
A conversion funnel represents the complete journey that a visitor takes on your online store, from their first visit to the final purchase. This...
What is an .htpasswd file?
An htpasswd file serves as a fundamental security tool for effectively protecting your online store. Therefore, this authentication system creates an additional protection layer....
What is bounce rate?
Bounce rate measures the percentage of visitors who leave your online store after viewing only one page, without taking any additional action. For any...
What is a CDN?
A CDN, or Content Delivery Network, is a network of geographically distributed servers that store and deliver the content of your online store from...
What is the robots.txt file?
The robots.txt file is a crucial element for the SEO of your Prestashop store. This small text file, often overlooked by e-tailers, plays a...
What is responsive design?
Responsive design is a web development approach that enables your PrestaShop store to automatically adapt to all screen sizes. This technique ensures optimal user...
What is web hosting?
Web hosting is the digital storage space where your online store lives and operates 24/7. Simply put, it's a service that makes your e-commerce...
What is an .htaccess file?
An .htaccess file is a discrete yet fundamental technical element that directly influences your online store's performance, security, and search engine optimization. While invisible...
What is a database?
A database is the digital vault of your online store. It stores and organizes all the information crucial to your e-commerce operation: your products,...
What is a log file?
A log file is an automatic log that records all activity on your e-commerce site. Every visit, every error, every connection attempt leaves a...
What is Smarty?
Smarty is the template engine that powers the display of your PrestaShop store. This technology intelligently separates your site's content from its visual presentation,...
What is a Prestashop hook?
A Prestashop hook is a hook that lets you add content or features to your online store without modifying the source code. Think of...
What is CSS/JS minimization?
CSS/JS minimization is an optimization technique that consists of reducing the size of your online store's code files by removing all unnecessary spaces, comments...
What is dropshipping?
Dropshipping is a revolutionary online selling model. This system allows you to sell products without physically storing them. Specifically, your supplier ships orders directly...
What is a PrestaShop override?
A PrestaShop override is a technical mechanism that allows you to modify the behavior of your online store without affecting the original system files....
What is an SSL certificate?
An SSL certificate is a digital file that secures data exchanges between your e-commerce site and your visitors. It turns a simple connection into...
What is cache?
The cache is a temporary storage mechanism that retains frequently used data to speed up subsequent access. In the context of e-commerce, this technology...
What is a 500 error?
Error 500 is one of the most feared error codes by e-tailers. It indicates a server malfunction that prevents your online store from displaying....
What is a Prestashop theme?
A Prestashop theme is the visual skin of your online store, determining its appearance, ergonomics and visual identity. Imagine your physical store: the decoration,...
What is voice search?
Voice search revolutionizes how your customers find your products online. This technology allows users to search by speaking rather than typing, fundamentally transforming SEO...
What is the multistore mode?
Multistore mode is an advanced PrestaShop feature that lets you manage several online stores from a single back-office. This solution is particularly valuable for...
What is Google Analytics?
Google Analytics is Google's free tool that reveals how visitors navigate through your online store. This web analytics platform provides valuable insights about your...
What is maintenance mode?
PrestaShop maintenance mode is an essential feature that allows you to make your online store temporarily inaccessible to visitors, while retaining access to the...
What is the back office?
The PrestaShop back-office is the administration interface for your online store, accessible only to site owners and managers. This private area allows you to...
What is a Prestashop module?
A Prestashop module is a software extension that adds new functionality to your online store. Think of your e-commerce site as a basic car:...