Ap computer science terms

Citizen Science

Citizen Science

Scientific research involving non-scientists who contribute data using their own devices.

Cleaning Data

Process of standardizing data without changing its meaning.

Correlation

Relationship between two data pieces and how one varies concerning the other.

Crowdsourcing

Gathering information from a large online community.

Information

Facts and patterns derived from data.

Data bias

Data inaccurately representing the full population.

Data filtering

Selecting a subset of data for analysis.

Parameter

Variable in a function definition.

Argument

Value passed to a parameter.

Return

Used to go back to the calling point in a function.

Procedural abstraction

Using procedures without knowing their internal workings.

Library

Collection of functions for program creation.

API

Specifications for library function usage.

Problem

General task description solvable with an algorithm.

Algorithm

Set of instructions for a task.

Sequencing

Ordering steps in an algorithm.

Selection

Choosing next steps in an algorithm.

Iteration

Repeating steps in an algorithm.

Efficiency

Measure of steps needed for an algorithm.

Linear Search

Algorithm checking each list element sequentially.

Binary Search

Algorithm dividing a sorted list to find a value.

Reasonable Time

Algorithms with polynomial efficiency.

Unreasonable Time

Algorithms with exponential or factorial efficiency.

Heuristic

Provides a practical solution to a problem.

Decision Problem

Problem with a yes/no answer.

Optimization Problem

Problem finding the best solution.

Undecidable Problem

Problem with no algorithm for a correct answer.

Sequential Computing

Programs running commands in order.

Parallel Computing

Programs running pieces simultaneously.

Distributed Computing

Programs running on multiple devices.

Speedup

Ratio of sequential to parallel task completion time.

List

Ordered collection of elements.

Element

Value in a list with a unique index.

Index

Number referencing list elements.

Iteration

Repeating steps in an algorithm.

Infinite loop

Loop with a condition never becoming true.

Traversal

Accessing each list item sequentially.

Data abstraction

Simplifying data complexity.

Expression

Combination of operators and values evaluating to a value.

Assignment Operator

Changes variable values.

Variable

Named reference to a value.

String

Ordered character sequence.

Boolean Value

True or false data type.

Comparison Operators

Indicate Boolean expressions.

Logical operator

Evaluates to a Boolean value.

Conditional Statement

Executes based on Boolean expression.

Function

Named set of programming instructions.

Function Call

Executes function code.

User Interface

Software interaction inputs and outputs.

Input

Data sent to a program for processing.

Output

Data sent from a program.

Program Statement

Command or instruction.

Program

Collection of statements running sequentially.

Sequential Programming

Statements running in order.

Event Driven Programming

Statements triggered by events.

Documentation

Written code description.

Comment

Program documentation not affecting execution.

Pair Programming

Collaborative coding style.

Debugging

Finding and fixing program issues.

Development process

Steps to create software.

Event

Action-triggered program input.

Computing Device

Machine running programs.

Computing System

Devices and programs working together.

Computing Network

Interconnected devices exchanging data.

Path

Connections between devices on a network.

Bandwidth

Maximum data transfer rate.

Protocol

Rules specifying system behavior.

IP Address

Unique device number on the Internet.

Internet Protocol (IP)

Data transmission protocol.

Router

Forwards data across a network.

Packet

Data chunk sent over a network.

Redundancy

Extra components for system reliability.

Fault Tolerant

System functioning despite component failures.

HTTP

Protocol for web page transmission.

Internet

Interconnected computer network.

World Wide Web

Linked system of pages and files.

Digital Divide

Unequal access to technology.

Binary

Representation using two options.

Bit

Basic unit of computer information.

Byte

8 bits.

Overflow Error

Error from representing a large number.

Round-off Error

Error from overly precise number representation.

Analog Data

Continuously changing data.

Digital Data

Discrete data values.

Sampling

Creating digital data from analog by measuring at intervals.

Lossless Compression

Reducing data size without losing information.

Lossy Compression

Reducing data size with some information loss.