AP CSP VOCAB

Bits

The smallest unit of data in computing. It can be either a 0 or a 1.

Bytes

A group of 8 bits. It is used to represent a single character of data, like a letter or a number, in computing.

Binary Numbers

Numbers that use only two digits: 0 and 1. This system is called base-2 because it only has two possible values for each digit (bit). Computers use binary numbers to store and process data.

Decimal System

Based on ten digits: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. This is called the base-10 system because it has ten possible values for each digit. Each place value in a decimal number is a power of 10.

Overflow

When a number is too big for the system to handle. For example, in an 8-bit system, the largest number it can store is 255. If you try to store 256, it causes overflow because it doesn't fit.

Floating-Point Representation

It's a way to store very big or small numbers. It uses three parts: sign, exponent, and mantissa (fraction). This helps represent numbers like 3.14 or 0.0001, just like scientific notation.

Roundoff errors

When numbers are rounded and become a little off from the exact value. This happens because computers can't always store decimals perfectly. For example, 0.1 might get stored as 0.1000001.

ASCII

A system that represents text in computers using binary. Each character (like letters, numbers, or symbols) is assigned a unique 7-bit binary code.

Sampling

Taking pieces of analog data at regular times to turn it into digital data. More samples mean a clearer digital copy.

Analog Data

Information that changes smoothly and can take any value. Examples are sound, light, or temperature, which can vary without any jumps.

Digital Data

Information stored using 0s and 1s instead of continuous signals. It is made of fixed steps, making it easy for computers to process and store.

Quantization

The process of turning analog data (which is smooth) into digital data by rounding it to the nearest fixed value. This helps represent continuous data in steps or numbers.

Computer Network

Any group of interconnected computing devices capable of sending or receiving data

Computing Device

Any device that can run a program, such as a tablet, phone, or smart sensor.

Local area network (LAN)

A network that covers a limited area like a house or school.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A network that extends over a large geographic area and is composed of many, many LANs.

Data Center Network

A network used in data centers where data must be exchanged with very little delay.

Copper Cables and Ethernet

Transmit Electricity

Fiber-optic cables

Transmit Light

Wireless

Transmits binary data into radio waves through the air.

Bit Rate

The number of bits of data that are sent each second.

Bandwidth

The maximum bit rate of a system

Latency

Measures how late the bits arrive

IP addresses

Uniquely identify Internet-connected devices. Just like homes need mailing addresses to receive mail, Internet-connected devices need an IP address to receive messages.

IPv4

The first version of internet protocol used on the Internet. (Ex: 74.125.20.113)

IP v6

Developed because IPv4 was believed to run out of addresses. (Ex: 2001:0db8:0000:0042:0000:8a2e:0370:7334)

IP Packet

A unit of data that carries information between devices on a network

Redundancy

the practice of having backup components or systems to prevent data loss and ensure uninterrupted operation

User Datagram Protocol

lightweight data transport protocol that works on top of IP.

Transmission Control Protocol

transport protocol that is used on top of IP to ensure reliable transmission of packets.

TCP metadata meaning

includes fields that describe where the packet belongs in the sequence.

Domain Name System (DNS)

convert a domain name into an IP address

HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

request the webpage contents from that IP address.

Scalable System

one that can continue functioning well even as it experiences higher usage

Pseudo Code

a language that doesn't actually run anywhere, but still represents programming concepts that are common across programming languages