Computer Science Midterm Review

Flashcards based on Computer Science Midterm Review Guide

What is a variable?

A value that can be changed; containers for holding data like numbers, words, etc.

Define 'input' in the context of programming.

Data that is being entered and sent to a program.

What is 'output' in programming?

Data that a program shows based off of the code written in it or the input received.

What is string concatenation?

The operation of joining strings together.

What is a String?

Characters that are usually in double quotes.

What is a Boolean?

A true or false value.

What is a Numeric variable?

A number value.

What does it mean to 'execute' code?

To run code.

What is a code segment?

A piece of code.

Define 'display' in programming.

What is printed on the stage.

What is the MOD operator?

An operator that returns the remainder of a division, after one number is divided by another.

Expand the acronym PEMDAS.

Parentheses, Exponents, Multiply / Divide, MOD, Add / Subtract

What does 'assigning a variable' mean?

To give a variable a value; you can change what it holds at any time.

Define Abstraction.

Simplifies the details of how computers work.

What is an Element?

An individual value in a list.

What is an Index?

The number used to access a specific element of a list.

What is the Length of a list?

The number of elements in a list.

What is Sequencing?

The order in which instructions are performed in an algorithm.

What is an Algorithm?

A set of steps or instructions used to complete a task.

What is Iteration?

Repetition of a process.

What is Selection?

When code is only run if a condition is met.

What is the Purpose of a program?

The intended goal of a program, such as to inform, entertain, or solve a problem.

What is Functionality of a program?

How a program actually works; the steps taken to complete the process.

What is a Procedure?

A list of instructions that can simplify code and can be easily reused.

What is a Parameter?

A variable that lives in a procedure and takes input; used when defining a procedure.

What are arguments?

Inputs when you call a procedure; they are actual values rather than just placeholders.

What does Static mean in coding?

A code segment that stays the same.

What does STR stand for?

String

What happens when you are Defining a Procedure?

This is when a procedure is being set up and defining what you want the procedure to do.

What is a Parameter?

An input to your procedure that lets our procedure do something with it.

What does 'Calling a Procedure' mean?

This is when code tells the computer to run the procedure / run the set of instructions. Think of it as a placeholder.

What is a Logical Operator?

Not, And, Or. Evaluate to a boolean value.

What is a Boolean Value?

A data type that is either true or false.

What is a Relational Operator?

Used to test the relationship between two variables. The condition must be a boolean value.

What does dynamic mean in coding?

A program / code that can have different outcomes whenever it is run.

What does Return mean in coding?

This is what will happen after a program runs.

What does Int stand for?

Integer / Number

How does AND work as a Conditional?

Evaluates to true if both values are true; otherwise evaluates to false.

How does OR work as a Conditional?

Evaluates to true if one or both of the values are true. If both values are false, it evaluates to false.

How does NOT work as a conditional?

Evaluates to true if value is false; otherwise evaluates to false.

What is an If Statement?

Allows a program to behave differently based on one or more conditions. It must be true or false.

What is a Repeat Until loop?

A specific chunk of code will be repeated until the boolean expression evaluates to true.

What is Lossy Compression?

Reduces file size by permanently removing some of the original data. The file cannot be restored to its original form.

What is Lossless Compression?

Reduces file size by removing unnecessary metadata. The file can be restored to its original form.

What is Data?

Facts, values, and descriptions. Information is data converted into a meaningful and useful context for decision making.

What is an Else Statement?

When the program needs a second outcome, else statements are used.

What is Metadata?

Data that describes other data.

What is a bit?

A binary digit (bit) is the minimum unit of binary info stored in a computer.

Define Decimal.

A system for representing numbers, using combinations of the digits 0 - 9.

Define a Byte.

One byte is equivalent to eight bits.

What is Phishing?

A technique that attempts to trick a user into providing personal info. This technique can be used to access sensitive information like bank accounts, emails, etc.

What is Keylogging?

A program that records every keystroke made on a computer. Can be used to find out passwords and logins.

What is Malware?

Software that is made to damage a computing system.

What is Multi factor Authentication?

A system that requires multiple steps in order to login to an account or access personal information.

What is a Computing Network?

A group of interconnected devices that are capable of sending or receiving data.

What is a Packet?

A chunk of data sent over a network. Larger messages are divided into packets that may arrive at the destination in order, out-of-order, or not at all.

What is Redundant Routing?

When there are multiple ways that data can get from one device to another. This is helpful in case one device fails.

What does Fault Tolerant mean?

When your internet system can handle devices failing and work fine. Even if a device goes down, packets can still travel from sender to receiver.

What is a Rogue Access Point?

An unauthorized Wi-Fi access point connected to a network without the knowledge or permission of the network administrator

What is Encryption?

scrambling a plain message with a key to become hidden/unreadable

What is Decryption?

unscrambling a hidden message to be readable

What is Symmetric Encryption?

using the same key to encrypt and decrypt

What is Asymmetric/Public Key Encryption?

using a recipients public key to encrypt and the recipients private key to decrypt

Define the Internet.

A computer network consisting of interconnected networks that use standardized, open (nonproprietary) communication protocols.

What is Packet Switching?

when packets are sent over different routers depending on which way is fastest, (switch patch based on traffic and needs)

What is Scalability in regards to the internet?

The internet is scalable or can easily grow to accommodate all the new people using it every year

What is an IP Address?

The address given to each device when connected to a network. Even website gets IP addresses because they are hosted on servers(another type of device)

What is DNS (Domain Name System)?

like the phonebook of the internet. It gives IP addresses for websites their names. Instead of typing 157.240.208.174 to go to Instagram, we can type Instagram.com and DNS will send us to the right IP address

What is IPv4?

This version of IP addresses uses 32 bits to represent an IP address

What is IPv6?

This version of IP addresses use 128 bits (we have this because we are running out of IP addresses with IPv4 because so many people connected to the internet).