Introduction to Computers, Programs, and Java

A set of flashcards covering key concepts from the introduction to computers and Java programming, designed to aid in review and exam preparation.

Computer

An electronic device that processes data and performs tasks based on instructions.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The core processing unit of a computer that executes instructions.

Input Devices

Hardware used to provide data and control signals to a computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse).

Output Devices

Hardware that receives data from a computer and presents it in a usable form (e.g., monitor, printer).

Programs

Sets of instructions that tell a computer how to perform a task.

Machine Language

A low-level programming language consisting of binary code that a computer can execute directly.

Assembly Language

A low-level programming language that is more readable than machine language and requires translation into machine code.

High-Level Language

Programming languages that are more abstract and easier for humans to read and write (e.g., Java).

Java Virtual Machine (JVM)

Software that executes Java bytecode, allowing for cross-platform compatibility.

Bytecode

Intermediate representation of Java source code that the JVM interprets.

Syntax Error

A mistake in the code that violates the rules of the programming language, preventing the code from compiling.

Runtime Error

An error that occurs during program execution, causing the program to crash.

Logic Error

An error that produces incorrect results despite the code running without crashing.

Variable

A named storage location in a computer program that can hold different values during execution.

Constant

A fixed value that does not change during the execution of a program.

Identifier

A name used to identify a variable, method, class, or other entities in a program.

Relational Operators

Operators that compare two values and return a boolean result (true or false).

One-Way If Statement

A conditional statement that executes code only if its boolean expression evaluates to true.

Primitive Data Types

Basic data types provided by the language to store simple values (e.g., int, double).

Augmented Assignment Operators

Shorthand operators that combine a binary operation with assignment (e.g., +=, -=).

Implicit Casting

Automatic conversion from a smaller to a larger data type.

Explicit Casting

Manual conversion from a larger to a smaller data type, which may lead to data loss.

Scanner Class

A Java utility used for reading input from various sources, including user input from the console.