CS1301 Final Exam Key Terms: Variables, Data Types, Loops, Arrays, Methods, Sorting, Searching

Variable

A named storage location in memory that holds a value.

Primitive Type

Basic data type such as int, double, char, or boolean.

Reference Type

A type where variables store memory addresses (e.g., arrays, objects, Strings).

Assignment Operator (=)

Stores the value on the right side into the variable on the left.

Integer Division

Division of two ints that discards decimals (e.g., 5/2 → 2).

Modulus (%)

Returns the remainder of integer division.

Type Casting

Manually converting one data type to another.

String

A sequence of characters, stored as an object.

String Method

Functions like length(), substring(), indexOf(), charAt().

equals()

Method used to compare the contents of Strings.

Scanner

Object used to read user input.

if Statement

A conditional block that executes when its Boolean expression is true.

Boolean Expression

An expression that results in true or false.

while Loop

Loop that continues as long as the condition is true.

for Loop

Loop with initialization, condition, and update.

Nested Loop

A loop inside another loop.

Array

A fixed-length ordered collection of elements of the same type.

Enhanced For-Loop

Loop that processes each element directly: for (int x : arr).

Partially Filled Array

An array where only some elements are used.

2D Array

An array of arrays, accessed with two indices.

Method

Block of code that performs a task.

Return Type

The data type a method sends back; void means no return value.

Parameter

Input value passed into a method.

Method Overloading

Multiple methods with the same name but different parameters.

Static Variable

Variable shared by all instances of a class.

Static Method

Method that belongs to the class, not an object.

Instance Variable

Variable that belongs to each individual object.

Constructor

Special method that initializes new objects.

Accessor (Getter)

Returns the value of a private variable.

Mutator (Setter)

Changes the value of a private variable.

Privacy Leak

Exposing internal data so external code can modify it.

Encapsulation

Protecting data with private variables.

Enum

User-defined type with a fixed set of constants.

Package

Namespace that organizes classes.

Bubble Sort

Swaps adjacent elements repeatedly if out of order.

Selection Sort

Finds the smallest element and places it at the front.

Insertion Sort

Builds a sorted portion and inserts new values into place.

Linear Search

Checks each element in order.

Binary Search

Divides search space in half; requires sorted array.

Swap

Exchanging values using a temporary variable.

Compile-Time Error

Mistake detected by the compiler.

Run-Time Error

Error during program execution.

Logical Error

Program runs but produces incorrect results.

Infinite Loop

A loop whose condition never becomes false.