Computer Hardware, Software, and Programming Concepts: Key Terms and Structures

Event-driven programming

A programming approach where code responds to events (clicks, taps, messages).

Computational artifact

An object created by humans that uses computation (app, webpage, simulation).

Control structure

One or more programming statements that control program flow (if, while, for).

hardware

The physical parts that make up a computer (chips, board, drives).

Binary number

A number written using only 0 and 1 (base-2 positional system).

Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

An integrated set of tools (editor, debugger, compiler) used to develop software.

iteration

A loop used to repeat instructions until a condition is met.

selection

A control structure where a question is asked and the program takes one of two (or more) paths (if/else).

repetition

Another term for repeating instructions; synonym of iteration.

High level language

A human-readable programming language that abstracts machine details (e.g., Python, Java).

motherboard

The main circuit board that houses the computer's core components.

RAM

Random Access Memory; temporary memory that stores programs/data while power is on.

software

The programs that control and run on the computer (applications and system programs).

Special purpose computer

A device built to do one fixed job (calculator, watch, some embedded controllers).

abstraction

A simplified, general representation of something complex (hiding details to focus on essentials).

bit

Short for binary digit; the smallest unit of information (0 or 1).

sequence

A group (ordered list) of statements in a program executed one after another.

algorithm

A precise sequence of instructions to solve a problem or perform a task.

Machine language

The low-level language (binary) directly readable/executable by the CPU.

Computer program

A sequence of instructions that controls the computer to perform tasks.

input

Data provided to the computer (mouse clicks, keyboard presses, sensor readings).

Heat sink

A cooling device for the CPU (fan/metal fins or liquid cooling) to remove heat.

Operating system

System software that manages hardware and runs other programs (Windows, macOS, Linux).

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The processor that executes instructions and runs software.

output

The results produced by the computer after processing inputs (screen text, sound, files).

Computational process

The process of transforming inputs into outputs, often via algorithms.

Hard drive

The primary persistent storage (data remains when power is off); can be HDD or SSD.

peripherals

External hardware attached to the computer (keyboard, mouse, printer, flash drive).

BIOS

The firmware program the microprocessor uses to start the system and manage basic device I/O; initializes hardware on boot.

kernel

The core part of the operating system that serves as the primary interface between hardware and running processes.