Higher Computing Science Assignment Toolkit: Software Design & Development (SDD)

These flashcards cover essential terms and concepts related to software design and development in Python.

Class

A blueprint for creating objects that defines a set of attributes and methods.

Record Structure

A format for storing data that allows different types of data to be combined into a single unit.

Object

An instance of a class.'

Array

A collection of items stored at contiguous memory locations.

Linear Search

An algorithm that checks each element in a list until it finds the target value.

Boolean Flag

A variable that indicates whether a condition is true or false.

Function

A reusable block of code that performs a specific task.

Parameter

A variable used in a function definition that receives a value when the function is called.

Local Variable

A variable that is declared within a function and is accessible only within that function.

Global Variable

A variable that is declared outside of all functions and is accessible from anywhere in the code.

Return Statement

A statement that ends the execution of a function and optionally returns a value.

CSV File

A text file that uses commas to separate values, commonly used for data storage.

List

A data structure in Python that can hold an ordered collection of items.

Index

A numerical representation of an element's position within an array or list.

Iterate

To go through elements in a collection, typically using a loop.

Scope

The region of a program where a variable is accessible.

Module

A file containing Python code that can define functions, classes, and variables.

Return Value

The value that a function gives back after execution.

Tab-Separated Values

A file format that uses tabs instead of commas to separate values.

Pythonic

A term used to describe code that is idiomatic and utilizes Python's features effectively.

Pseudocode

A method of designing algorithms using informal high-level constructs.

Data Validation

The process of ensuring that a program's input is correct and meets specified criteria.

Error Handling

The process of responding to and managing the occurrence of errors in a program.

Debugging

The process of identifying and removing errors from computer hardware or software.

Loop

A programming construct that repeats a block of code as long as a specified condition is true.

Conditional Statement

A statement that performs different actions depending on whether a specified condition evaluates to true or false.

Recursion

A technique where a function calls itself to solve a problem.

Attributes

Data stored in an object or class, often defined in the context of a record.

Methods

Functions associated with an object that can manipulate its attributes.

API (Application Programming Interface)

A set of rules that allows one piece of software to interact with another.

Library

A collection of precompiled routines that a programmer can use.

Algorithm

A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing a task.

Memory Leak

A situation in which a program consumes more memory over time due to failure to release memory that is no longer needed.

Data Structure

A specific way to organize and store data in a computer so that it can be accessed and modified efficiently.

Dynamic Typing

A feature of Python in which variable types are determined at runtime.

Inheritance

A concept in object-oriented programming where a new class is derived from an existing class.

Encapsulation

A principle of bundling data and methods that operate on the data within a single unit.

Polymorphism

The ability to present the same interface for different underlying forms (data types).

Instantiation

The process of creating an instance of a class.

Self Parameter

A reference to the current instance of a class in object-oriented programming.

Dependency

A relationship where one module relies on another to function properly.

Data Type

A classification that specifies the type of data that a variable can hold.

Debugging Tool

A software application that assists in identifying and resolving issues in software code.

Prototyping

The process of building a model of a proposed product or system.

Comment

Text in the code that is ignored by the interpreter and is used to explain the code.

Functionality

The specific behavior or actions that a system or component is able to perform.

Output

The information produced by a program after executing a task.

Input

The information provided to a program for processing.