Computer Science Fundamentals: Algorithms, Programming, and the PDLC

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the fundamental concepts of algorithms, flowchart symbols, pseudocode reserved words, programming language generations, and the Program Development Life Cycle (PDLC).

Algorithm

A set of finite rules or instructions to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations.

Deterministic

A characteristic of well-defined inputs where the same inputs will always produce the same output.

Finiteness

The requirement that an algorithm must terminate after a finite time.

Feasible

The requirement that an algorithm must be simple, generic, and practical, such that it can be executed with the available resources.

Language Independent

A characteristic meaning the designed algorithm must be just plain instructions that can be implemented in any language with the same expected output.

Pseudocode

A step-by-step description of an algorithm that uses simple English language text for human understanding rather than a programming language.

DECLARE

A reserved word in pseudocode used to define variables and their initial state, such as DECLARE total $\leftarrow 0$.

IF THEN ELSE

Clear decision words used in pseudocode for choices, where THEN introduces the action for a true condition and ELSE for a false condition.

Flowchart

A visual representation or diagram that represents a process, workflow, or algorithm using symbols and arrows to show the sequence of steps and decisions.

Terminal Symbol

A flowchart shape used to denote the beginning and ending of a flowchart, marked with START or END.

Preparation Symbol

A flowchart symbol used for declaring and initializing variables and/or constants.

Process Symbol

A flowchart shape used for assigning values and calculations, such as $\text{sum} = \text{num1} + \text{num2}$.

Decision-Making Symbol

A flowchart shape used for branching to show which alternative path will be followed based on a condition.

WYSIWYG

An acronym standing for 'What You See Is What You Get', indicating that printed text will appear exactly as it is written inside the symbols.

Programming

A technological process for telling a computer which tasks to perform in order to solve problems, acting as a collaboration between humans and computers.

Coding

The process of transforming programming ideas into a written language that a computer can understand.

Machine Language

The first generation of programming languages, written entirely in binary code ($0s$ and $1s$) and understood directly by the Central Processing Unit (CPU).

Assembly Language

The second generation of programming languages that uses short mnemonics like MOV or ADD instead of binary digits.

Mnemonics

Human-readable representations of machine instructions used in assembly language, such as MOV for 'move'.

Assembler

A program needed to convert assembly code into machine language.

High-level Languages (HLLs)

Third-generation languages like C, C++, and Java that use English-like syntax and are portable across different systems.

Declarative Languages

Fourth-generation languages ($4GLs$) like SQL and MATLAB that focus on what the program should accomplish rather than detailing how to do it.

Fifth Generation Languages

Logic-based programming languages like Prolog and LISP used in artificial intelligence to describe relationships through facts and rules.

Source Code

The set of instructions written by a programmer that acts as the 'DNA' of every software application or website.

Program Development Life Cycle (PDLC)

A set of phases used to develop a program, including Problem Definition, Analysis, Algorithm Development, Coding, Testing, and Maintenance.

Problem Analysis

The PDLC phase where requirements are determined, resources are gathered, and variables and functions are identified.

Compilation

The process of translating the entire source code into machine code via a compiler before execution, resulting in an executable file.

Interpretation

An execution approach where an interpreter reads and executes the source code line by line without producing an executable file.

Syntax

The specific rules and structure of how a program must be written, similar to grammar in human language.

Semantics

The meaning or logic behind a code statement, ensuring the code performs as the programmer intended.

Semantic Error

An error that occurs when code is syntactically correct but logically flawed, such as division by zero or using a wrong formula.