AP Computer Science VOCAB [Unit 1-3]

Binary

A Base 2 number with two possible different digits

Byte

8 bits

Overflow Error

An error occurs when trying to represent a number thats too large

Round- off Error 

An error occurs when trying to represent a number that’s too precise. 

Bit

A binary digit

Digital Data

Data that changes discretely through a finite set of possible values.

Analog Data

Data that has values that continuously change smoothly over time.

Sampling 

A process for creating a digital display of analog data by measuring the analog data at regular intervals, called samples. 

Lossless Compression

A process for reducing the number of bits needed to represent something. (compacting and making it a smaller code)

Lossy Compression

A process to reduce the number of bits needed to represent something. (some code is thrown away or discarded)

Intellectual Property 

A program that is created is legally protected.

Creative Commons 

Allows other people to use someone else’s work for free.

Computing Device 

A MACHINE that can run a program, including computers, tablets, servers, routers, and smart sensors. 

Computing System

A GROUP of computing devices and programs working together for a common purpose.

Computing Network 

A group of interconnected computing devices capable of sending or receiving data. 

Path

A series of connections between computing devices on a network, starting with a sender and ending with a receiver.

Bandwidth

The maximum amount of data that can be sent in a certain span of time.

Protocol

a set of rules that dictate how a system should run.

IP Address 

The unique number that is assigned to every device on the Internet. (ID TAG) 

Internet Protocol

a set of rules that dictate how data is sent across the internet using a number system (IP addresses)

Router

A type of computer that sends data across a network.

Packet 

A chunk of data sent over a network. 

Redundancy

Having extra parts or backups within a system so that if one part fails, the system can still work.

Fault Tolerant

Means a computer system can continue working even if something goes wrong or part of it fails.

HTTP 

A set of rules that computers use to communicate and share information on the web. 

Domain Name System

It turns website names into IP addresses that computers can understand. 

Internet

A global network of computers that are all connected and can share info with each other. 

World Wide Web

A collection of websites and web pages you can access through the internet using a web browser. 

Digital Divide

The gap between people who have access to technology and the internet and those who don’t.

Packet

A chunk of data sent over a network.

User Interface

The part of the computer program or device that a person interacts with. [The inputs and outputs]

Input

Any information that a computer receives from a user. [clicks, finger swipes, taps] 

Output

The information a computer gives back after processing the input [a character jumps when the screen is tapped] 

Program Statement

A single line of coding that tells the computer to do something.

Program

A set of instructions that a computer follows to complete a task. 

Sequential Programming

The order in which a program statement runs. (From top to bottom) 

Event Driven Programming 

Program statements start to run when triggered by an event.

Documentation

A description of how the programming is working or functioning. 

Comment

Form of program documentation to be read by the people, and does not affect the program. 

Pair Programming

When two programmers write code, tracking and, they also plan progression. 

Debugging 

The process of finding and fixing code. 

Development Process

a step-by-step method used to design, create, test and improve a computer program. 

Event

An action or occurrence that a program can respond to.