Key Terms in Computer Science

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts in computer science related to data types, programming structures, and data representation.

Variable

A place in the computer's memory that is used to store data. Variables are assigned values.

Data type

A classification of data that tells the compiler or interpreter how the programmer intends to use the data.

String

A set of characters, typically enclosed in quotes; e.g., 'Hello'.

Integer

A whole number without a decimal point; e.g., 42.

Float

A number that has a decimal point; e.g., 3.14.

Boolean

A data type that can hold one of two possible values: TRUE or FALSE.

Input

A method used in programming to get data from the user.

Casting

Changing the data type of a variable to another type.

Sequence

A set of instructions that are executed in order.

Selection

A method for selecting a path of execution based on conditions.

Iteration

The process of repeating a set of instructions multiple times.

While loop

A control flow statement that executes a block of code as long as a specified condition is true.

For loop

A control flow statement for specifying iteration, allowing code to be executed repeatedly.

List

A collection of related data items stored under a single variable name.

List Index

An integer that specifies an element's position in a list, starting from 0.

Subroutine

A set of instructions designed to perform a specific task and can be called from elsewhere in the code.

Binary

A base-2 number system that uses only two digits: 0 and 1.

Character set

A complete set of characters that can be recognized by a computer system.

Ascii Table

A character encoding standard that represents text in computers.

Unicode

A character encoding standard that can represent a vast number of characters.

File size

The amount of space needed to store a file, calculated based on dimensions and data depth.

Bitmap

A way of storing graphics where each pixel's color is represented by binary values.

Pixel

The smallest unit of a digital image that can be displayed and edited.

Bit depth

The number of bits used to represent the color of a pixel.

Resolution

The amount of detail an image holds, represented by the number of pixels per inch.

Meta data

Data that gives information about other data.

Data storage units

Different scales used to measure data size, including bits, bytes, kilobytes, and megabytes.

Sample rate

The number of samples taken per second in audio recording.

Lossy compression

A method of data compression that reduces file size by removing some data.

Lossless compression

A method of data compression that reduces file size without losing any data or quality.