CSP Unit 1 Vocab

strong password

Protects computers and keeps privacy.

algorithm

A list of steps needed to complete a task. A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem.

abstraction

The process of reducing complexity by focusing on the main idea.

sequencing

The application of each step of an algorithm. It's in the order in which the code statements are given.

selection

Determines which parts of the algorithm are executed based on a condition being true or false.

iteration

A repeating portion of an algorithm.

encryption

The process of encoding the data to prevent unauthorized access.

decryption

The process of decoding the data.

programming language

Is a formal artificial language that allows humans to give instructions to the computer.

problem

A general description of a task that can or cannot be solved algorithmically.

instance of a problem

A specific task that needs to be solved with a specific input.

decision problem

A problem with a yes/no answer.

optimization problem

A problem with the goal of finding the 'best' solution among many.

decidable problem

A decision problem for which an algorithm can be written to produce a correct output for all inputs.

undecidable problem

A problem which no algorithm can be constructed that always leads to a correct yes-or-no answer.

scalability

The capacity for a system to change in size and scale to meet new demands.

efficiency

An estimation of the amount of computational resources used by an algorithm. Expressed as a function of a size of the input.

linear or sequential search

Are algorithms that check each element of a list, in order, until the desired value is found or all elements in the list have been checked off.

binary search

An algorithm that starts at the middle of a sorted data set of numbers and eliminates half of the data. This process repeats until the desired value is found or all elements have been eliminated.

heuristic

Is any approach to problem solving, learning, or discovery that employs a practical method not guaranteed to be optimal or perfect, but sufficient for the immediate goal.

algorithmic bias

Occurs when a computing innovation systematically discriminates against certain individuals or groups to create unfair outcomes for some and favorable for others.