In the context of IoT (Internet of Things), edge computing involves processing data closer to the data source, often at or near the IoT devices themselves. This approach reduces latency, conserves bandwidth, and allows for real-time data analysis. Edge computing is especially useful in scenarios where immediate data processing and decision-making are critical.

Edge Computing is a critical component for seamless IoT and AI integration in edge devices. It allows processing data closer to the source, reducing latency and enhancing efficiency.

A wearable IoT device is a device that can be worn on the body and is connected to the internet to collect and transmit data. A fitness tracker is a prime example of a wearable IoT device, as it's worn on the wrist to monitor health and activity data like steps, heart rate, and sleep patterns.

After defining objectives in an IoT project like this, the next crucial step is data collection and sensor deployment, as this is essential to gather the necessary data for predicting maintenance needs accurately.

The Raspberry Pi supports programming in Python, which is one of the most commonly used languages for developing applications on this platform. While other languages like C# and Ruby can be used on the Raspberry Pi, Python is particularly popular due to its extensive support and libraries.

In this scenario, the primary requirement is real-time analysis of immense data generated by thousands of sensors. Edge computing is the best technology for this purpose, as it allows data processing to occur closer to the data source, reducing latency and enabling real-time analytics, which is crucial in monitoring traffic patterns in a smart city.

Microsoft Azure IoT provides a fully managed service for connecting, processing, and storing data from IoT devices. While other cloud platforms offer IoT services, this is a distinctive feature of Azure IoT.

A zero-day vulnerability is a security flaw in a system or device that is not yet known to the vendor or the public. It's called "zero-day" because there are zero days of protection against it. Hackers can exploit such vulnerabilities before the vendor has a chance to fix them, making them high-priority issues for security.

A company's IoT devices participating in a DDoS attack could be due to a lack of proper security measures. IoT devices, if not adequately secured, can be vulnerable to malicious actors who compromise their operation and use them as bots in a DDoS attack. Ensuring security measures like encryption, strong authentication, and regular security updates is crucial in such cases.

Data breaches are a common security threat in IoT, as unauthorized access to IoT data can have serious consequences, such as privacy violations and misuse of sensitive information.