Computer Science Concepts and Terminology

Flashcards covering key computer science concepts, algorithms, run times, data representation, and information types.

Big-O Notation

A tool for analyzing the cost of an algorithm, describing complexity using algebraic expressions.

Linear Search

An algorithm that iterates through each element in a data set to find a specified value.

Binary Search

A faster algorithm for searching that only works with sorted lists, dividing the search space in half with each step.

Sequential Computing

A computational model where tasks are performed one after the other.

Parallel Computing

A computational model where a program is broken into smaller operations that can be executed simultaneously.

Distributed Computing

A model in which multiple devices are used to run a single program by sending tasks across computers.

Constant Time

A run time complexity that always takes the same amount of time regardless of input size.

Heuristics

A 'good enough' solution to a problem when an exact solution is impractical.

Decision Problem

A problem that requires a yes or no answer.

Optimization Problem

A problem that asks for the best solution among many alternatives.

Bit

A single digit in binary data, representing either a 0 or a 1.

Byte

A combination of 8 bits.

Nibble

A combination of 4 bits.

Overflow Error

An error when a program attempts to store a value that exceeds the maximum capacity of the data type.

Roundoff Error

An error occurring when a number with too much precision is approximated.

Analog Information

Continuous data that represents information with physical qualities that vary smoothly.

Digital Information

Discrete data that represents information using binary digits.

Character Encoding

A system that assigns numerical values to characters, allowing computers to store text.

Sampling

Measuring sound's amplitude at regular intervals to capture audio data.

Sampling Rate

The number of times audio is sampled per second.

Pixel

The smallest element of a digital image.

Metadata

Data that provides information about other data.

Lossy Compression

A data compression technique that permanently discards some data for a smaller file size.

Lossless Compression

A data compression technique that retains all original data without loss of quality.