Simplified Programming Terminology (Tony Gaddis Style)

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental programming and file-handling terminology from the lecture notes.

Array

A group of related values stored under one name, accessed by an index.

Element

A single value stored inside an array.

Subscript

The numeric index used to select an element in an array (e.g., 2 in names[2]).

Sub

Gaddis’s spoken way to read an indexed array element, e.g., “names sub two.”

Shifting

Moving array elements to fill a gap or create room.

Swapping

Exchanging the positions of two elements.

Parallel arrays

Two or more arrays whose elements at the same index are related.

Create and initialize array

Defining an array and filling it with values in one step.

Sequential search

Checking each array element in order until a match is found.

Binary search

Searching a sorted list by repeatedly dividing the search interval in half.

Bubble sort

Sorting by repeatedly swapping adjacent out-of-order elements until all are ordered.

Insertion sort

Placing each new element into its correct position, like sorting playing cards.

Text file

A file that stores human-readable characters.

Binary file

A file that stores data in machine-readable form, not plain text.

Open a file

Begin working with a file in a program.

Close a file

Finish using a file and ensure changes are saved.

Read data from a file

Transfer information from the file into the program.

Write data to a file

Send information from the program into the file.

Input file

A file opened for reading.

Output file

A file opened for writing.

Text editor

Software used to create or modify text files.

File extension

The portion of a filename after the dot (e.g., .txt, .bin).

Class

A blueprint defining the data and behaviors of objects.

Object / Instance

A concrete entity created from a class.

Field

A variable defined within a class that stores data.

Method

A function defined within a class that performs an action.

Constructor

A special method that initializes a new object.

Accessor (Getter)

A method that returns a value stored in an object.

Mutator (Setter)

A method that changes a value stored in an object.

Encapsulation

Hiding an object’s inner workings and exposing only needed interfaces.

Inheritance

A mechanism where a child class acquires attributes and behaviors of a parent class.

Polymorphism

One interface or command performing different actions depending on the object.

Overrides

When a subclass provides its own version of a parent-class method.

Public / Private

Public members are accessible outside the class; private members are not.

Procedural programming

Writing code as a sequence of steps without using objects.

UML Chart

A diagram that visually represents classes and their relationships.

GUI (Graphical User Interface)

The visual part of a program consisting of windows, buttons, boxes, etc.

Controls

GUI elements users interact with, such as buttons or text boxes.

Button control

A clickable GUI element that triggers an action.

Label control

Static text displayed in a GUI; users cannot edit it.

Text box control

A GUI box where the user can type input.

Dialog box

A pop-up window displaying messages or questions to the user.

Events

User actions like clicks, key presses, or mouse moves.

Event handler

Code that runs in response to a specific event.

Event-driven

A programming model where the application waits for and responds to events.