Computer Science Programming Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards defining fundamental computer science concepts, control structures, data abstractions, and function components.

Lists

A collection of multiple items stored together.

Strings

A sequence of characters, such as letters, numbers, or symbols.

Prototype

A first version or model of a program, function, or project.

Expression

A combination of values, variables, and operators that produces a result.

Parameter

A variable listed in a function that receives a value when the function is called.

Argument

The actual value given to a parameter when a function is called.

Iteration

One repetition of a loop or repeated process.

Procedure

A named set of instructions that performs a specific task.

Boolean

A value that is either true or false.

Abstraction

Hiding unnecessary details to make code simpler to use.

Infinite Loop

A loop that never stops because its condition never becomes false.

Modulus

An operator that gives the remainder after division.

Code Segment

A specific section or part of a computer program.

Operators

Symbols or keywords that perform actions on values.

Readability

How easy it is for a person to understand code.

Traverse

To go through each item in a list or data structure.

Index

The position of an item in a list or string.

Element

An individual item stored in a list or collection.

Sublist

A smaller list made from part of a larger list.

Data Abstraction

Organizing data so users can work with it without needing to know how it is stored.

Selection

Choosing which part of a program to execute based on a condition.

Conditional

A statement that runs code only when a condition is true.

Nested Conditional

A conditional placed inside another conditional.

Return Statement

A statement that sends a value back from a function or procedure.