Shortcode refers to unique placeholders in web page HTML that provide a key point for more complex scripting.

As shortcode, they can be easily managed and ed to and web pages whwre the same actions are to be performed. For example the shortcode could be a placholder for an embedded iFrame or object code for displaying a custom video player.

While the bulk of the code to be used can be provided by a plugin or template, the shortcode is used to denote its place of execution on the web page, ie: where the media or effect is to appear on the page when displayed in a web browser.

Shortcodes are most commonly used on content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, Moodle, Drupal and Joomla.

A typical shortcode might look like:

[gvprotect filename="demo-video.mp4"]

It might also include parameters for setting size like:

[gvprotect filename="demo-video.mp4" width="600" height="400"]

In this example, when gvprotect is found, being a key associated with a WordPress plugin, it is replaced with the code from the plugin and executed as it loads.

Please report any errors or typos here.