Intro to Python & Java Final Exam Review Guide

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering Python Karel, general Python programming, and Java fundamentals based on the final exam review guide.

Function

A reusable block of code used to break programs into smaller parts, avoid repeating code, and make programs easier to read.

Method

A Java function or procedure created by the programmer.

Loop

A programming construct that repeats a block of code.

Condition

A true/false test used in control structures like if statements and while loops.

Array

A collection of values where the index starts at 0; going past the last index causes an error.

Class

A blueprint for objects.

Object

An instance of a class.

Constructor

A special method used to initialize objects; it must declare instance variables.

Inheritance

A process where one class extends another, allowing child classes to inherit variables and methods from parent classes.

Instance Variable

Data belonging to one object that describes that specific object rather than the entire class.

Parameter

An input provided to a function or method.

Return Value

A value sent back by a function using the return keyword.

move()

A basic Karel command that moves the robot forward; it requires parentheses, correct spelling, and lowercase capitalization.

Top-Down Design

The process of breaking a large problem into smaller steps or helper functions.

Precondition

A requirement that must already be true before a function runs.

Postcondition

A condition that will be true after a function has finished running.

For Loop

A loop used to repeat code a fixed number of times; in Python it uses the $range()$ function.

While Loop

A loop that repeats while a condition is true, such as $front\_is\_clear()$ or $balls\_present()$.

Indentation

The spacing used in Python to show code blocks; code will not work properly without it.

Default Parameters

Parameters in a function that have a predefined value if no argument is passed, such as $def\ say\_hi(first="John", last="Doe")$.

Boolean Logic

Logic using operators such as and, or, and not, as well as inequalities like $>$, $<$, $>=$, $<=$, $==$, and $!=$.

int

A Java data type used for integers, such as $age = 16$.

double

A Java data type used for decimal numbers, such as $price = 9.99$.

2D Array

An array of arrays; for example, $int[][]\ pizza = new\ int[12][17]$ creates a grid with $12$ rows and $17$ columns.

Binary Search

An efficient search process that requires a sorted array; it checks the middle value, eliminates half of the remaining items, and repeats.

Casting

Converting one data type to another, such as converting a double to an int, which removes the decimal portion.