Compliance
Compliance refers to the adherence to laws, regulations, standards, and policies that govern data protection, security, privacy, and industry-specific requirements in software development and IT operations. It involves implementing controls, processes, and documentation to ensure that systems and practices meet legal and regulatory obligations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS. In tech contexts, it often focuses on cybersecurity, data handling, and audit readiness to mitigate risks and avoid penalties.
Developers should learn about compliance to build secure and legally sound applications, especially in regulated industries like finance, healthcare, or e-commerce, where non-compliance can result in fines, legal action, or reputational damage. It is crucial when handling sensitive data, such as personal information or financial records, to ensure systems meet standards like GDPR for privacy or SOC 2 for security controls, helping organizations maintain trust and avoid breaches.