AP Computer

Algorithm

A set of step-by-step instructions to complete a task or solve a problem.

Abstraction

Simplifying complex systems by hiding unnecessary details to focus on main ideas.

Data abstraction

Representing data in simplified forms to manage complexity, such as using variables or lists.

Bit

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

Byte

A group of 8 bits.

Binary

A number system using only 0s and 1s.

Code statement

A single instruction in a program.

Sequential statement

A statement that runs one after another in order.

Logic error

A mistake in a program’s logic that causes incorrect output but no crash.

Syntax error

A mistake in the code that violates the programming language rules; it prevents the program from running.

Runtime error

An error that occurs while the program is running, such as dividing by zero.

Overflow error

When a value is too large for the computer to handle.

Underflow error

When a value is too small to be represented accurately.

Lossless compression

Data compression that allows original data to be perfectly reconstructed.

Lossy compression

Compression that removes some data to reduce file size, resulting in possible loss of quality.

Creative Commons public copyright

A license that allows creators to share their work with some usage rights reserved.

Open source

Software whose source code is available to the public to use, modify, and share.

Internet protocol (IP)

Rules for addressing and sending data over the internet.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

The address of a web page.

Data stream

Continuous flow of data, often in real-time (like video or audio).

Scalability

The ability of a system to grow and manage increased demand.

Domain Name System (DNS)

Converts domain names into IP addresses.

World Wide Web

A system of linked documents and media connected by hyperlinks on the internet.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

A protocol used for transferring web pages.

Bandwidth

The amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a given time.

Digital divide

The gap between those with and without access to technology and the internet.

Net Neutrality

The principle that internet service providers should treat all data equally.

Computing device

A machine that can run programs (like smartphones, laptops).

Computing system

A group of computing devices and programs working together.

Computing network

A group of interconnected devices that communicate.

Path

The route data takes through a network.

Protocol

A set of rules for how data is formatted and transmitted.

Internet

A global network of interconnected computers.

Fault-tolerance

The ability of a system to keep operating even when parts fail.

Redundancy

Having extra components so the system can still function if one fails.

Router

A device that directs data on a network.

Link layer

The network layer that manages physical connections between devices.

Expression

A combination of variables, values, and operators that evaluates to a result.

Variable

A named location in memory used to store data.

Assignment operator

The symbol used to assign a value to a variable.

Increment

Increasing a variable’s value.

Variable type

The kind of data a variable holds.

Assignment

Giving a variable a value.

Statement

A line of code that performs an action.

Operators

Symbols that perform operations on values.

Interaction

How users or programs communicate with each other or with a system.

Pseudocode

Simplified code-like language used to plan algorithms.

Debug

The process of identifying and fixing errors in code.

High-level programming language

A language that is easy for humans to read and write.

Natural language

Human language used in everyday communication.

Machine language

Binary code understood directly by a computer.

Compiler

A program that converts high-level code into machine code.

Modular math

Math where numbers wrap around after reaching a certain value.

Random number

A number chosen unpredictably within a defined range.

Order of operations

Rules that define the sequence in which operations are carried out.

Iteration

Repeating a process or set of instructions.

Boolean operators

Logical operators used in decision-making.

Predictable function

A function that produces the same output for the same input.

Procedure

A set of instructions packaged as a unit.

Parameter

Input given to a procedure.

Nested iteration

A loop inside another loop.

Conditional statement

Executes code only if a condition is true.

Selection

Choosing between options in code.

Relational operator

Compares two values.

Procedural abstraction

Using procedures to hide complex code details.

Flowchart

A diagram showing steps in a process or program logic.

Simulation

A model that imitates a real-world process.

Crowdsourcing

Gathering input or data from a large number of people.

Citizen science

Public participation in scientific research.

Big data

Extremely large sets of data that require special tools to analyze.

Open data

Data that is freely available for anyone to use.

Global variable

A variable accessible from any part of a program.

Abstract Data Type (ADT)

A model for data structures without specifying implementation.

Append

To add an element to the end of a list.

Algorithm efficiency

A measure of how well an algorithm performs in terms of time and space.

Heuristic

A rule-of-thumb approach for solving problems faster.

Linear search

Checking each item in a list one by one to find a value.

Binary search

Searching a sorted list by repeatedly dividing it in half.

Metadata

Data about data.

Correlation

A relationship between two variables, but not necessarily causal.

Causation

When one event directly causes another.

Cleaning data

Fixing or removing incorrect, corrupted, or duplicate data.

Data filtering

Selecting specific data that meets certain criteria.

Parallel computing

Tasks are split across multiple processors to be completed at the same time.

Sequential computing

Tasks are completed one after the other.

Distributed computing

Computing is done on multiple devices working together.

Computing innovation

A new development in technology that affects people or society.

Phishing

Fraudulently trying to get personal info by pretending to be a trustworthy entity.

Keylogging

Recording keystrokes to steal information.

Malware

Malicious software intended to damage or exploit systems.

Rogue Access Point

A fake Wi-Fi connection set up to steal data.

Multi-factor authentication

Security that requires multiple methods to verify identity.

Simulation

Imitating a real-world process with a computer model to study behavior or test outcomes.