AP comp sci

syntax error

A mistake in typed code that violates the rules of the programming language.

logic error

A mistake in an algorithm or program that causes it to behave unexpectedly or return the incorrect value.

run-time error

A mistake in a program that happens only when the program is actually run.

overflow error

An error that results when the number of bits is not enough to represent the number.

bit

A binary digit, either 0 or 1.

byte

A sequence of 8 bits.

roundoff error

An error that results from not having enough bits to represent the number with full precision.

analog data

Values that change smoothly over time.

lossless compression

Compressing data in a way that preserves all data and allows full recovery of the original.

lossy compression

Compressing data in a way that discards some data.

metadata

Data about data.

sequencing

The sequential execution of steps in an algorithm or code.

selection

A Boolean condition to determine which of two paths are taken in an algorithm.

iteration

The repetition of steps in an algorithm or program.

linear search

An algorithm that iterates through each item in a list until it finds the target value.

binary search

An algorithm that searches a sorted list by repeatedly splitting the list in half.

reasonable time

A run time for an algorithm that doesn't increase faster than polynomial function of the input size.

heuristic

A technique that helps an algorithm find a good solution in a hard problem.

undecidable problem

A problem that cannot be solved algorithmically for all inputs.

library

A collection of procedures useful in creating programs.

API

Application Programming Interface, a library of procedures and their calling descriptions.

modularity

The separation of a program into independent modules.

traversal

The iteration over the items in a list.

computing device

A physical device that can run a program.

computer network

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

bandwidth

The maximum amount of data that can be sent over a network connection in a fixed period.

protocol

An agreed upon set of rules that specify the behavior of a system.

scalability

The ability of a system to adjust in scale to meet new demands.

IP (Internet Protocol)

The protocol that determines how to address nodes on the network.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

A data transport protocol for reliably transmitting packets.

UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

A lightweight data transport protocol with minimal error checking.

World Wide Web

A system of linked pages, media, and files, browsable over HTTP.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

The protocol used to request webpages from servers.

parallel computing

A computational model that splits a program into multiple tasks that can be executed simultaneously.

speedup

The improvement in the time a parallelized program takes to solve a problem.

distributed computing

A computational model that runs different parts of a program using multiple devices.

digital divide

The idea that some populations have less access to computing than others.

crowdsourcing

A model where many online users combine efforts to help fund or create projects.

citizen science

The participation of volunteers from the public in scientific research projects.

Creative Commons

Allows creators to share how their works can be used, remixed, or shared.

open access

A policy allowing access to documents or datasets for reading or analysis.

PII (Personally identifiable information)

Information that can be used to identify an individual.

multifactor authentication (MFA)

A method of user authentication requiring multiple forms of evidence.

encryption

The process of scrambling data to prevent unauthorized access.

symmetric encryption

A technique where the same key is used to encrypt and decrypt data.

public key encryption

An encryption technique that uses different keys for encrypting and decrypting data.

cookie

A small amount of text that tracks user information on a website.

virus

A type of computer malware that can replicate itself.

phishing

An attack tricking users into revealing private information.

rogue access point

A wireless access point providing unauthorized access to network traffic.