AP Computer Science Principles Create Performance Task Terminology

Algorithm

A finite set of instructions that accomplishes a specific task, constructed using combinations of sequencing, selection, and iteration.

Arguments

The values of the parameters when a procedure is called.

Collection type

Aggregates elements in a single structure, examples include databases, hash tables, dictionaries, and sets.

Data stored in a list

Input into the list can be through an initialization or through computation on other variables or list elements.

Input

Data sent to a computer for processing by a program, which can come in various forms such as tactile, audible, visual, or text.

Iteration

A repetitive portion of an algorithm that repeats until a given condition is met or for a specified number of times.

List

An ordered sequence of elements, allowing multiple related items to be represented using a single variable.

List being used

The program creates new data from existing data or accesses multiple elements in the list.

Output

Any data sent from a program to a device, which can take forms such as tactile, audible, visual, movement, or text.

Parameter

An input variable of a procedure, with explicit parameters defined in the procedure header and implicit parameters anticipated for calls.

Procedure

A named group of programming instructions that may have parameters and return values.

Program code segment

A collection of program statements that are part of a program, either continuous in text-based or contained in a starter block for block-based.

Program functionality

The behavior of a program during execution, often described by user interaction.

Purpose

The problem being solved or creative interest pursued through the program.

Selection

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

Sequencing

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

Student-developed procedure / algorithm

Program code written by the student, which may include calls to existing code or libraries that are not considered student-developed.