Computer Science 2026 Vocabulary

Algorithm

A methodical, logical rule or procedure that guarantees solving a particular problem.

Client

A person using the services of a professional person or organization.

Code repository

A central storage location where developers place and manage source code.

Correlation

A measure of how closely two variables vary together.

Database

A collection of organized data for easy access and use.

Code Documentation

Written descriptions and visuals explaining how code works.

Flowchart

A diagram showing the sequence of steps in a process or program.

Heuristic

A quick problem-solving strategy that may be less accurate than an algorithm.

Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

Software used to write, run, and debug code in one place.

Incremental software development

Developing software in small pieces with feedback after each change.

Iterative Development

Repeated cycles of development to gradually improve a system.

Keyword

A word or phrase used for searching or categorizing information.

Machine Learning

Using algorithms to learn patterns from data.

Module

A self-contained piece of a program.

Opt-ins

Users must actively choose to participate.

Opt out

Users are included unless they choose not to participate.

Program Requirements

Statements describing what a program must do.

Pseudocode

A simplified description of an algorithm using plain language.

Query

A request for data from a database.

Scale up

Increasing system capacity or production.

Software bias

Systematic errors that create unfair outcomes.

Top Down Design

Breaking a problem into smaller parts.

User Interface

The part of a program users interact with.

Analog

Continuous data representation.

Digital

Data represented using binary (0s and 1s).

Append

Add to the end of a list.

ASCII

A standard for encoding text using binary.

Binary

Base-2 number system using 0 and 1.

Binary Coded Decimal (BCD)

Representing each decimal digit with 4 bits.

Hexadecimal

Base-16 number system using 0–9 and A–F.

Bit vs. Byte

Bit = 1 binary value; Byte = 8 bits (256 values).

Cloud storage

Storing data on remote servers via the internet.

Constant

A value that does not change.

Correlation

A measure of how two variables relate.

Data cleaning

Fixing errors in data.

Data processing

Organizing data into useful information.

Data storage

Saving data.

Data transmission

Sending data between devices.

Dataset

A collection of related data.

Encryption

Encoding data to prevent unauthorized access.

Exit Condition Loop

A loop that checks its condition after executing once.

Floating point decimal

A way to represent decimals using 64 bits.

Hashtag

A # label used to categorize content.

Infinite loop

A loop that never ends.

Internet packet

A unit of data sent across a network.

Lossless Compression

Compression with no data loss.

Lossy Compression

Compression with some data loss.

Metadata

Data about data.

Moore's Law

Computing power doubles roughly every two years.

Overflow error

When a value exceeds storage capacity.

Permutation

An arrangement where order matters.

Public Key Encryption

Encryption using a public and private key pair.

Redundancy

Unnecessary repetition.

Routing

Determining the path for data across networks.

Sampling

Selecting a subset of data.

Search Trends

Popularity of search queries over time.

String

A sequence of characters.

Transform coding

Compression that removes less important data.

Lag

A delay in response time.

List

A collection of data items.

Logic gate

A circuit performing logical operations.

Number

A numeric value (often binary in computing).

Parameter

A variable that defines limits or behavior.

Perfect Solution

The flawed idea that only complete solutions are acceptable.

Procedural abstraction

Hiding details of a procedure.

Procedure

A named set of instructions.

Reassignment

Changing a variable’s value.

Return

Exits a function and sends back a value.

Simulation

A model of a real-world process.

Sort

Arrange data in order.

DDoS Attack

Flooding a system with traffic to overwhelm it.

Digital certificate

Verifies identity online.

DNS

Translates domain names to IP addresses.

Domain spoofing

Fake websites pretending to be real ones.

Fault tolerance

Ability to keep working after failure.

HTML

Language for creating web pages.

HTTP vs HTTPS

HTTP is unencrypted; HTTPS is encrypted.

ICANN

Manages internet domain names and IPs.

IETF

Develops internet standards.

Internet of Things

Devices connected and sharing data online.

IP address

Unique identifier for a device on a network.

IPv4 vs IPv6

IPv4 (32-bit) vs IPv6 (128-bit, more addresses).

ISP

Provides internet access.

JavaScript

Language for interactive web pages.

Latency

Time delay in data transmission.

Machine-readable

Data computers can process.

Parallel processing

Multiple tasks at once.

Processor

Executes instructions.

Router

Directs data between networks.

Sequential processing

One task at a time.

SSL

Protocol for secure communication.

Subdomain

A subsection of a domain.

Domain

A website’s main address.

Top-level domain

The ending (.com, .org).

TCP

Ensures reliable data transmission.

VPN

Secure connection over the internet.

WiFi

Wireless networking technology.

WWW vs Internet

Internet = network; WWW = web pages on it.

Crowdfunding

Raising money from many people.

Crowdsourcing

Gathering input from large groups.