Introduction to Computer Science Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering core terms, definitions, architectures, algorithms, protocols, and ethical principles from the Introduction to Computer Science course.

Binary

A base 2 numbering system consisting of only ones and zeroes, serving as the fundamental data representation for digital computers.

Byte

A unit of digital data consisting of 8 binary digits (bits) placed together, capable of representing $2^8 = 256$ unique combinations.

ASCII

American Standard Code for Information Interchange; a standardized binary encoding scheme where letters, numbers, and symbols are represented by one byte of data.

Pixel

A single discrete square assigned a specific color, used as the building block to assemble digital photographs and graphical images on a screen.

RAM

Random Access Memory; volatile short-term computer memory that can be read and written rapidly at any data location while powered.

Firmware

Specialized instructional software permanently stored on non-volatile chips (such as ROM or BIOS) that provides essential hardware startup and operation commands.

Machine Language

A primitive set of binary instructions that can be directly understood and executed by a computer's Central Processing Unit (CPU).

Syntax

The formal set of structural rules dictating the correct ordering and placement of words, symbols, and punctuation in a programming language.

Semantics

The exact meaning or logical intent of properly formatted statements in computer code.

Octal

A base 8 numbering system using digits 0 through 7, where a single digit directly represents 3 binary bits.

Hexadecimal

A base 16 numbering system utilizing symbols 0–9 and A–F, where one digit corresponds directly to 4 binary bits.

Sampling

The method of converting continuous analog wave data into digital binary values by capturing wave amplitude at small time intervals.

Variable

A defined storage location in RAM that holds a data value, identified by a name, a specific data type, and a memory address.

Checksum

A mathematical solution computed from a binary file or packet and appended to it to verify data integrity and detect corruption.

Algorithm

A precise, structured set of step-by-step rules or instructions designed to solve a problem or complete a specific task.

Flowchart

A visual diagram utilizing standard geometric symbols and arrows to map out the control flow and logic of an algorithm.

Stack

A linear data structure operating on a Last In, First Out (LIFO) protocol using push and pop operations.

Linked List

A sequential data structure composed of nodes, where each node contains a data element and a pointer referencing the memory address of the next node.

Array

A bounded data structure holding an ordered collection of elements of the same data type, accessible directly via zero-based numerical indices.

Bubble Sort

A basic sorting algorithm that repeatedly compares adjacent elements in a sequence and swaps them if they are out of order until the entire list is organized.

Big O Notation

A mathematical notation used to express the performance efficiency and algorithmic complexity of an algorithm relative to an input data size $n$.

Proposition

The underlying logical claim or idea of an objective statement, which can be evaluated as strictly true or false.

Conjunction

A logical AND connective (denoted by $\land$) combining two propositions, returning true only if both component propositions are true.

Disjunction

A logical OR connective (denoted by $\vee$) combining two propositions, returning true if at least one component proposition is true.

Conjunctive Normal Form (CNF)

A standardized Boolean logic expression structured as a single conjunction of one or more disjunctive clauses.

Disjunctive Normal Form (DNF)

A standardized Boolean logic expression structured as a single disjunction of one or more conjunctive clauses.

Von Neumann Architecture

A primary computer system architecture comprising a Central Processing Unit (CPU), unified memory storing both data and instructions, and shared data buses.

Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)

The CPU subcomponent responsible for executing fundamental mathematical calculations and Boolean logic operations.

Device Driver

A software component that enables an operating system to communicate with and control a specific hardware device.

FLOPS

Floating point operations per second; a standard metric used to measure computational processing performance.

OSI Model

Open Systems Interconnection model; a 7-layer theoretical framework (Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application) detailing network communications.

Router

An intelligent network device that evaluates IP addresses of data packets and forwards them along efficient paths toward their destination network.

TCP/IP

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol; the foundational, fault-tolerant suite of communication protocols underpinning the internet and local networks.

Domain Name System (DNS)

An internet service that translates human-readable hostnames or URLs into numerical IP addresses.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The expanding global network of physical, non-standard smart devices embedded with electronics, software, and connectivity to exchange data over the internet.

BIOS

Basic Input Output System; firmware initialized upon startup to run hardware self-tests (POST) and locate and load the operating system into memory.

Embedded System

A specialized computer system built around a microcontroller designed to continuously execute a single dedicated task within a larger mechanical or electrical system.

Microcontroller

An integrated circuit chip combining a processing unit, RAM, and programmable input/output pins on a single microchip.

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

A formal methodology detailing the stages of software creation: Requirements Analysis, Planning, Design, Development, Testing, and Deployment/Maintenance.

Data Mining

The process of analyzing large datasets to identify hidden patterns, relationships, and meaningful information.

Neural Network

An artificial intelligence architecture designed to emulate the interconnected neuron structure of the biological human brain to learn from complex data.

ACM Code of Ethics

A professional code of conduct established by the Association for Computing Machinery outlining ethical principles and responsibilities for computing practitioners.