Chapter 2: Input, Processing, and Output Flashcards

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering program design, Python syntax, input/output, variables, calculations, formatting, and Turtle graphics.

Program Development Cycle

The five-step process of program creation: design the program, write the code, correct syntax errors, test the program, and correct logic errors.

Algorithm

A set of well-defined logical steps that must be taken to perform a task.

Pseudocode

Informal fake code with no syntax rules used to model a program's design prior to coding.

Flowchart

A diagram that graphically depicts the steps in a program using connected geometric symbols.

Terminal Symbols

Oval shapes in a flowchart that represent the start and end points of a program.

Input and Output Symbols

Parallelogram shapes in a flowchart used to represent input and output operations.

Processing Symbols

Rectangle shapes in a flowchart used to represent processing steps, such as mathematical calculations.

Input

Any data that a program receives while it is running.

print Function

A built-in Python function that displays output on the screen.

Argument

Data passed to a function so that it can perform its required operation.

String Literal

A string that appears directly in the actual code of a program, enclosed in quote marks.

Comment

A explanatory note in a program starting with a # character that is ignored by the Python interpreter.

Variable

A name that represents a value stored in the computer's memory.

Assignment Statement

A statement using the equal sign (=) operator to assign a value to a variable.

Multiple Assignment

Assigning values to multiple variables in a single Python statement, such as x, y, z = 0, 1, 2.

Garbage Collection

The automatic removal of values from computer memory that are no longer referenced by any variables.

Numeric Literal

A number written directly in code, classified as an int if it lacks a decimal point or a float if it has one.

input Function

A built-in Python function that displays a prompt, reads input entered from the keyboard, and returns it as a string.

Nested Function Call

A statement format like function1(function2(argument)) where the return value of function2 is directly passed as an argument to function1.

Floating-Point Division Operator (/)

An arithmetic operator that divides one number by another and returns the quotient as a floating-point number.

Integer Division Operator (//)

An arithmetic operator that divides one number by another and returns the quotient as a whole number.

Remainder Operator (%)

Also known as the modulus operator; performs division and returns the remaining value.

Multiline Continuation Character (\)

A backslash character used to split a single line of Python code across multiple lines.

String Concatenation

The operation of appending one string to the end of another string using the + operator.

F-String

A string literal prefixed with f that contains expression placeholders enclosed in curly braces {} for formatted output.

Field Width

The minimum number of spaces reserved in an f-string placeholder to display a value.

Magic Number

An unexplained numeric value in code that degrades readability and complicates future updates.

Named Constant

A identifier representing a fixed value that does not change during program execution, used to replace magic numbers.

turtle.penup()

A command in Turtle graphics that raises the turtle's pen so no line is drawn when it moves.

Turtle Cartesian Coordinates

The $(x, y)$ coordinate system centered at $(0, 0)$ used to position and navigate the turtle on screen.

turtle.done()

A statement placed at the end of a Turtle graphics program to keep the window open after execution finishes.