APCSP Unit 1 Vocab Terms

Bit

The smallest unit of data in a computer, representing 0 or 1.

Byte

A unit of 8 bits that can represent 256 distinct values.

Binary

A base-2 numbering system using only 0 and 1.

Algorithm

A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem.

Program

A set of instructions a computer executes to perform a task.

Blocks (Snap!)

Puzzle-shaped pieces used to create code visually in Snap!.

Scripts (Snap!)

Linked blocks that control the behavior of sprites or the stage.

Sprites

Objects in Snap! controlled by scripts.

Stage

The background canvas in Snap! where sprites operate.

Logic Error

An error where a program runs but produces an incorrect result.

Tracing

Following code step by step to determine its behavior and output.

Debugging

Finding and fixing errors in a program or system.

ASCII

A character encoding standard called American Standard Code for Information Interchange.

Overflow Error

An error that occurs when a value exceeds the available storage or numeric range.

Roundoff Error

An error caused by limited precision when representing numbers.

Underflow Error

An error when a number is too small to be represented within the available numeric range.

Pixel

The smallest controllable element of a raster image.

RGB (Red, Green, Blue)

A color system that combines red, green, and blue light to produce colors.

Heuristic

A practical problem-solving shortcut that may find a satisfactory solution without guaranteeing the best one.

Lossless Compression

Compression that allows the original data to be reconstructed exactly.

Lossy Compression

Compression that discards some data to reduce file size.

Creative Commons

A set of copyright licenses that allow creators to specify how others may use their work.

Open Source

Software whose source code is available under a license permitting use, modification, and redistribution.

Sequencing

Executing instructions in a specific order.

Selection

Choosing which instructions execute based on a condition.

Iteration

Repeating instructions using a loop.

Abstraction

Hiding unnecessary details to focus on important information.

Syntax Error

An error caused by breaking the rules of a programming language.

Collaboration

Working with others to develop, test, or improve a program.

Documentation

Information explaining how code works or how to use a program.

Incremental Development

Building and testing a program in small steps to find errors early.

Design

Planning what a program should do and how it will work.

Develop

Writing code to implement a solution.

Test

Checking whether a program works as intended.

Iterate

Making changes repeatedly to improve a program.