AP Computer Science Principles Create Performance Task Terminology

Algorithm

An algorithm is a finite set of instructions that accomplish a specific task. Every algorithm can be constructed using combinations of sequencing, selection, and iteration.

Arguments

The values of the parameters when a procedure is called.

Code segment

A code segment refers to a collection of program statements that are part of a program. For text-based, the collection of program statements should be continuous and within the same procedure. For block-based, the collection of program statements should be contained in the same starter block or what is referred to as a “Hat” block.

Collection type

Aggregates elements in a single structure. Some examples include

Data stored in a list

Input into the list can be through an initialization or through some computation on other variables or list elements.

Input

Program input is data that are sent to a computer for processing by a program. Input can come in a variety of forms, such as tactile (through touch), audible, visual, or text. An event is associated with an action and supplies input data to a program.

Iteration

Iteration is a repetitive portion of an algorithm. Iteration repeats until a given condition is met or for a specified number of times. The use of recursion is a form of iteration.

List

A list is an ordered sequence of elements. The use of lists allows multiple related items to be represented using a single variable. Lists are referred to by different terms, such as arrays or arraylists, depending on the programming language.

List being used

Using a list means the program is creating new data from existing data or accessing multiple elements in the list.

Output

Program output is any data that are sent from a program to a device. Program output can come in a variety of forms, such as tactile, audible, visual, movement, or text.

Parameter

A parameter is an input variable of a procedure. Explicit parameters are defined in the procedure header. Implicit parameters are those that are assigned in anticipation of a call to the procedure. For example, an implicit parameter can be set through interaction with a graphical user interface.

Procedure

A procedure is a named group of programming instructions that may have parameters and return values. Procedures are referred to by different names, such as method, function, or constructor, depending on the programming language. A procedure is executed through the use of a procedure call.

Program functionality

The behavior of a program during execution, often described by how a user interacts with it.

Purpose

The problem being solved or creative interest being pursued through the program.

Selection / conditional statement

A selection / conditional statement affects the sequential flow of control by executing different statements based on a condition being true or false. The use of if-statements and try / exception statements are examples of selection / conditional statements.

Sequencing

The application of each step of an algorithm in the order in which the code statements are given.

Student-developed procedure / algorithm

Program code that is student-developed has been written (individually or collaboratively) by the student who submitted the response. Calls to existing program code or libraries can be included but are not considered student-developed. Event handlers are built-in abstractions in some languages and will therefore not be considered student-developed. In some block-based programming languages, event handlers begin with “when”.