Definitions Flashcards
Calc
A calculation - can be copying data from one field on a form to another, doing a mathematical operation between fields, etc.
Engine
A program that runs our software. Different platforms will use different engines so that the look and feel is appropriate for the platform. For example, we have found a Windows Engine that runs our software on Windows machines, and Mac engine for Macs.
Platform
Different operating systems used by users. For example: Windows, Mac, web, mobile
TPS
The original language used for TurboTax calculations, content, error handling, among other functions
TKE
The new TurboTax way of doing calculations
MEF
Modernized E-file. These fields are defined by the IRS. For every field on an IRS form, there is a corresponding MEF field that is used for e-filing. As additional fields are needed to properly calculate the tax return, we create additional MEF++ fields to use.
MEF Schema
The collection of all the IRS MEF fields, with their definitions, like whether it is a numeric field, or a string, etc. Also referred to as, the model.
Model
Definition of fields that we have added to the MEF schema. Commonly known as the “awesome model”
Mapping
The bridge between the TPS and TKE fields. The mapping links up a TPS field to its corresponding MEF field. This is needed so that the same data can be used by both systems.
- MEF ++ mapping: added to the model, delta files
- TPS to TKE: links TPS to TKE field
Formset
Collection of forms, calculations, and errors that make up a tax return. There is a federal formset for all the federal forms, and each state has its own formset.
Repository
A shared, central location for files (like a library). Users get versions of files from the repository and save them to their local machine. As files from your local machines are updated, they are saved to the repository for others to see/use. We us Perforce as the repository. Also referred to as a repo.
Local
Your own machine. Files on your local machine can only be updated from the machine they are on. They are typically in the C:\ drive. This is your sandbox to make edits before checking into the repository.
Workspace
The specific location/directory on your local machine where you keep the files from the share repository.
Build (noun)
The file that results from building your project. You will end up with a file that includes your updates. This file can then be run, or incorporated into another program.
Snapshot
A specific version of a file. You may be asked to use a snapshot build, which would be a specific version of a build, like your local one.
Per
Personal version of TurboTax. This experience includes an interview experience, and is typically accessed online or downloaded.
Pro
Professional Series product - this is used by tax professionals and does not include an interview experience.
Interview
The experience in TurboTax with screens that prompt users to enter information.
Plugin
A piece of software that is added to existing software to provide additional functionality. In Eclipse, we add plugins to make it easier to sync files to/from Perforce, and to build projects.
Configuration file
A file that stores the settings needed to run a specific program. This can include specific directories, files, versions of software, etc.
POM file
A configuration file specific for running Maven. You may need to update it if the configuration needs to be updated, like pointing to a specific directory, or a snapshot build. It stands for Project Object Model.
Build (verb)
Put together the current version of the files that are on your system to create a package that can be run or used. When changes are made to a mapping, the schema is rebuilt. When changes are made to a calculation, the formset will be rebuilt.
Get the latest/Check out the latest
Get the most recent version of a file from the repository onto your own machine. You will be “getting” from the Perforce repository.
Sync
Get the specific version of a file/folder (If using Eclipse, you will get the latest revision from Perforce)
Check-in
Save your changes to the repository. It will now be the most recent version (latest) in the repository.
Perforce
A version control system where we store all the files for TurboTax.
Java
A programming language that many of the applications use. It needs to be installed on your machine to run the tools.
Maven
A tool that builds Java projects to put all the files of a project together so that it can be run on a computer.
Eclipse
Development envirnoment to view and edit files, build a project
Primary Tool
Primary Tool is an Intuit tool used for developing and updating forms. You can view and update the field definitions, assign attributes. It includes IRS forms as well as any worksheets and hidden worksheets that are used.
Content Generator
Tool that helps create the initial mappings between TPS and TKE fields.
CalcX
A tool to helo generate TKE (new) calcs based on TPS (old) calcs. Now part of Spark.
Spark
A visual tool to create and update TKE calcs.
Ending for TT files
.tax
Ending for TPS files
.clc
Ending for TKE files
.calc
Straight Calc, Simple Calc
This is a calculation that is simple math (eg. 1+2=3)
Conditional Calc
These are calculations where the government instructions stat IF x, THEN y. There can be single conditions or multiple conditions.
Tables
Calculations that are based on tables (tax tables, etc)
Limits
This is a conditional calc where one type of calculation happens up to a certain dollar amount, and then the calculation changes after that amount.
