Programming

Computer System

A combination of all the components required to process and store data using a computer.

Hardware

The collection of physical devices that comprise a computer system.

Software

The programs that tell the computer what to do.

Program

A set of instructions for a computer.

Application Software

All the programs you apply to a task.

App

A piece of application software, often used for mobile devices.

System Software

Programs used to manage your computer.

Input

The entry of data items into computer memory using hardware devices.

Processing

The act of organizing, checking accuracy, or performing operations on data items.

CPU

The computer hardware component that processes data.

Output

The operation of retrieving information from memory and sending it to a display or printer.

Information

Processed data.

Storage Devices

Types of hardware equipment that hold information for later retrieval.

Cloud

Remote computers accessed through the Internet.

Programming Languages

Languages such as Visual Basic, C#, C++, or Java used to write programs.

Syntax

The grammar rules of a programming language.

Syntax Errors

Errors in language or grammar in programming.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Temporary, internal computer storage.

Volatile Storage

Storage whose contents are lost when power is lost.

Nonvolatile Storage

Storage whose contents are retained when power is lost.

Machine Language

The computer’s on/off circuitry language.

Source Code

The set of statements a programmer writes in a programming language.

Object Code

The set of machine language statements translated from source code.

Compiler

A tool that translates a high-level language into machine language.

Binary Language

A language represented using a series of 0s and 1s.

Scripting Languages

Languages such as Python, Lua, Perl, and PHP used for writing programs.

Logic of a Program

The complete sequence of instructions that lead to a solution.

Logical Errors

Errors that occur when instructions are performed incorrectly or out of order.

Variable

A named memory location that can hold different values at different times.

Program Development Cycle

The steps that occur during a program’s lifetime.

Users

People who employ and benefit from computer programs.

Documentation

All the supporting paperwork for a program.

Algorithm

The sequence of steps necessary to solve any problem.

Desk-Checking

Walking through a program solution on paper.

High-Level Programming Language

A language that supports English-like syntax.

Debugging

The process of finding and correcting program errors.

Conversion

The actions required to switch to using a new program.

Maintenance

All the improvements and corrections made to a program post-production.

Pseudocode

An English-like representation of the logical steps to solve a problem.

Flowchart

A pictorial representation of the logical steps to solve a problem.

Input Symbol

Represents an input operation in flowcharts, usually a parallelogram.

Processing Symbol

Represents a processing operation in flowcharts, usually a rectangle.

Output Symbol

Indicates an output operation in flowcharts, usually a parallelogram.

I/O Symbol

Represents both input and output operations in flowcharts.

Flowlines

Arrows that connect steps in a flowchart.

Terminal Symbol

Indicates the beginning or end of a flowchart segment, usually a lozenge.

Loop

Repetition of a series of steps in programming.

Infinite Loop

When repeating logic cannot end.

Decision Symbol

Shaped like a diamond, used to represent decisions in flowcharts.

Dummy Value

A preselected value that stops the execution of a program.

Sentinel Value

A preselected value that stops the execution of a program.

EOF

Means end of file.

Text Editor

A program used to create simple text files.

Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

A software package that provides an editor, compiler, and other programming tools.

Command Line

A location on your screen to type text entries to communicate with the OS.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Allows users to interact with a program in a graphical environment.

Procedural Programming

A programming model focused on procedures or actions.

Object-Oriented Programming

A programming model focused on objects and their features and behaviors.