CSP Study Guide

Syntax error

A mistake in typed code that violates the rules of the programming language, preventing the code from running.

Logic error

A mistake in an algorithm or program causing unexpected behavior or incorrect results.

Run-time error

A mistake in a program that occurs during execution, like accessing non-existent memory.

Overflow error

Error due to insufficient bits to represent a number, similar to an odometer "rolling over."

Bit

A binary digit, 0 or 1, fundamental in binary numbers.

Byte

A sequence of 8 bits, essential in computing and data storage.

Roundoff

Error from insufficient bits to represent a number precisely, like approximating 3.14 with 3 digits.

Analog data

Data changing smoothly over time, like live concert pitch and volume.

Lossless

Data compression preserving all original data for full recovery.

Lossy

Data compression discarding some data, making full recovery impossible.

Metadata

Information about data, like file descriptions or database rows.

Sequencing

Sequential execution of steps in an algorithm or program, akin to a recipe.

Selection

Choosing a path based on a Boolean condition in an algorithm or program.

Iteration

Repeating steps in an algorithm until a condition is met.

Linear search

Algorithm searching for a target value by iterating through a list.

Binary search

Algorithm searching a sorted list by halving the search space.

Reasonable time

Algorithm runtime not increasing faster than a polynomial function of input size.

Heuristic

Technique aiding algorithms in finding solutions for complex problems.

Undecidable

A problem so complex no algorithm can answer for all inputs.

Library

Collection of useful procedures for program creation.

API

Application Programming Interface, a library with procedure descriptions.

Modularity

Separating a program into independent modules for functionality.

Traversal

Iterating over items in a list, either fully or partially.

Computing device

Physical device running programs, like computers or smartphones.

Computer network

Interconnected devices capable of data exchange.

Bandwidth

Maximum data transfer rate over a network connection.

Protocol

Agreed rules specifying system behavior.

Scalability

System's ability to adjust to new demands.

IP (Internet Protocol)

Protocol for addressing and routing data on networks.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

Protocol for reliable data transmission.

UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

Lightweight data transport protocol.

World Wide Web

System of linked web pages and media.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

Protocol for web data exchange.

Parallel computing

Splitting a program into tasks for simultaneous execution.

Speedup

Improvement in program time by parallel execution.

Distributed computing

Using multiple devices for program execution.

Digital divide

Disparity in computing access among communities.

Crowdsourcing

Collaborative model for funding, ideas, or goods creation.

Citizen science

Public participation in scientific research projects.

Creative Commons

Alternative to copyright for sharing artistic creations.

Open access

Policy allowing access to documents or data.

PII (Personally identifiable information)

Data identifying individuals.

Multifactor authentication (MFA)

User authentication with multiple evidence categories.

Encryption

Scrambling data to prevent unauthorized access.

Symmetric encryption

Technique using the same key for encryption and decryption.

Public key encryption

Asymmetric encryption using different keys for encryption and decryption.

Cookie

Small text tracking user information on websites.

Virus

Malware capable of self-replication.

Phishing

Deceptive attack to obtain private information.

Rogue access point

Unauthorized wireless access point intercepting network traffic.