PYTHON chapter 1-4

Computer Hardware Components

Physical parts of a computer that perform tasks (input, processing, output, storage).

Execute

Perform instructions in a program.

Microprocessor

The CPU, which processes data and executes instructions.

Main Memory (RAM)

Temporary memory used during active processing.

Secondary Memory

Long-term data storage (e.g., hard drive).

Input

Devices that send data to the computer (e.g., keyboard).

Output

Devices that display results (e.g., monitor).

Operating System (OS)

Software that manages hardware and system resources.

Utility Program

Software that performs specific maintenance tasks (e.g., antivirus).

Program

A set of instructions for a computer to follow.

Software

Programs and operating systems that run on hardware.

Programmer

Person who writes and tests computer programs.

String Literal

Sequence of characters in quotes.

Numeric Literal

Number used in a program.

String

Text data type.

Numeric

Number data type (e.g., int, float).

Compiler

Translates source code into machine code all at once.

Garbage Collection

Automatic memory cleanup in some programming languages.

Binary/Boolean

Data with two values (0/1, True/False).

Machine Language

Binary code directly understood by a computer.

Interpreter

Translates and executes code line by line.

Assembly Language

Low-level code with symbolic instructions.

High-Level Language

Programming languages closer to human language (e.g., Python).

Source Code

The original code written by a programmer.

Script

A program executed without compilation.

Flowchart

Diagram that shows the flow of an algorithm.

Pseudocode

Simplified, informal code-like description of a program.

Algorithm

Step-by-step instructions to solve a problem.

Keywords

Reserved words in a programming language.

Bit

Smallest unit of data (0 or 1).

Byte

Group of 8 bits.

ASCII

Character encoding standard.

Data Type

Defines the kind of data (e.g., int, string).

Float

Decimal number data type.

Integer

Whole number data type.

Function

A reusable block of code performing a task.

Calling a Function

Executing a function.

Operator

Symbol that performs operations (e.g., +, -).

Variable

Named memory location that stores data.

Memory Address

Location where a variable is stored.

camelCase

Naming convention where the first word is lowercase, and subsequent words are capitalized.

Exception

An error that disrupts program execution.

Escape Characters

Special characters preceded by \ (e.g., \n).

Concatenation

Joining strings together.

f-string

Formatted string for embedding variables.

Precision Designator

Controls decimal places in float formatting.

Type Designator

Specifies data type in formatting (e.g., d for integer).

Alignment Designator

Specifies text alignment in formatted output.

range() Function

Generates a sequence of numbers.

if-elif-else

Conditional branching structure.

Short Circuit Evaluation

Stops evaluation once the outcome is determined.

and/or/not Operators

Logical operators used in decision-making.

Booleans

Data type with True/False values.

Loop

Repeats a block of code.

While Loop

Repeats while a condition is true (pretest loop).

For Loop

Iterates over a sequence.

Conditional Loop

Repeats based on a condition.

Sentinels

Special values that signal loop termination.

Input Validation Loop

Ensures valid input before proceeding.

Nesting

Placing loops inside loops.

Infinite Loop

Loop with no termination condition.

Count-Controlled Loop

Loop with a predetermined number of iterations.

GIGO

"Garbage In, Garbage Out" – poor input leads to poor output.

break

Exits a loop prematurely.

continue

Skips to the next iteration of a loop.

else (Loop)

Executes after loop ends if not terminated by break.

Top-Down Design

Breaking a problem into smaller parts.