Computer Science Key Terms: Components, Data, and Programming Concepts

Component Object Model

Provides an architecture for components to interact on a local system

Bandwidth

Transmission capacity measure by bit rate

Bit

A contraction of 'Binary Digit'; the single unit of information in a computer, typically represented as a 0 or 1

Protocol

A set of rules governing the exchange or transmission of data between devices.

Prototype

A preliminary sketch of an idea or model for something new. It's the original drawing from which something real might be built or created.

Internet

A group of computers and servers that are connected to each other.

Net Neutrality

The principle that all Internet traffic should be treated equally by Internet Service Providers.

IP Address

A number assigned to any item that is connected to the Internet.

Router

A type of computer that forwards data across a network.

URL

An easy-to-remember address for calling a web page (like www.code.org).

Pixel

Short for 'picture element', the fundamental unit of a digital image, typically a tiny square or dot that contains a single point of color of a larger image.

Hexadecimal

A base-16 number system that uses sixteen distinct symbols 0-9 and A-F to represent numbers from 0 to 15.

Lossless Compression

A data compression algorithm that allows the original data to be perfectly reconstructed from the compressed data.

Lossy Compression

(or irreversible compression) a data compression method that uses inexact approximations, discarding some data to represent the content. Most commonly seen in image formats like .jpg.

Decimal to Binary Conversion

Binary's places are powers of 2.

Hexadecimal to Binary Conversion

Hex-binary conversion table will be available.

Sprite

An object in Scratch programming that can be programmed to perform actions.

Pencil Program Speed

The program speed can be changed.

Move Commands in Pencil

Commands like fd, bk, rt, lt, speed are found under move.

Art Commands in Pencil

Commands like pen, dot, box, hide are found under art.