CS1 Unit 1: Intro to Computers and Programming (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Unit 1: Intro to Computers and Programming.

Computer

A programmable machine designed to follow instructions; without programs, it cannot do anything.

Programmer

A person who writes instructions (programs) to make the computer perform tasks.

Program

Instructions stored in memory that tell the computer what to do.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The brain of the computer that retrieves/decodes instructions and coordinates all parts; contains the CU and ALU.

Control Unit (CU)

Part of the CPU that retrieves and decodes instructions and coordinates CPU activities.

Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)

Part of the CPU designed for arithmetic calculations and logical decisions.

Main Memory (RAM)

Volatile memory that stores data and programs while a computer is running; erased when power is off.

Volatile

Memory that loses its contents when power is removed.

Address

A unique number identifying a byte in memory.

Byte

8 consecutive bits.

Bit

The smallest unit of data; 0 or 1.

Secondary Storage

Non-volatile storage that retains data when power is off; examples include USB drives, CD/DVD, SSDs, HDDs.

Input Devices

Devices that send information to the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone).

Output Devices

Devices that display information from the computer (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers).

Software

Programs that run on computers; categorized as application software and system software.

Application Software

Programs that provide services to users (e.g., word processors, games).

System Software

Programs that manage the computer hardware and the programs that run on it (e.g., operating systems, utilities).

High-Level Language

Languages that are closer to human language and easier to understand; portable across machines.

Low-Level Language

Languages that communicate directly with hardware, often in binary machine code.

Machine Language

Binary instructions that a CPU executes directly.

Preprocessor

Tool that processes source code directives before compilation.

Compiler

Program that translates high-level source code into machine code.

Linker

Tool that combines object code with libraries to form an executable.

Executable

A file containing machine code that can be run by the computer.

Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

An application that provides editing, compiling, and debugging tools in one environment.

Keywords

Reserved words with special meaning in a programming language; cannot be used as identifiers (e.g., in C++: using, namespace, int, double, return).

Programmer-Defined Identifiers

Names defined by the programmer to label variables, functions, etc.; not part of the language syntax.

Variable

A named storage location in memory for holding data.

Declaration/Definition

The statement that creates a variable by specifying its type and name.

Operator

Symbol that performs an operation on data (e.g., , -, *, /, =).

Punctuation

Characters that mark the end of statements or separate items (e.g., comma, semicolon).

Syntax

The rules (grammar) for writing valid programs, governing keywords, operators, identifiers, and punctuation.

Algorithm

A well-defined sequence of steps to solve a problem.

Input-Processing-Output (IPO) Model

Model describing how data enters, is processed, and results are produced by a program.

Procedural Programming

Programming paradigm focused on procedures or functions that process data.

Object-Oriented Programming

Programming paradigm focused on objects that contain data and methods; operations are performed via messages to objects.

Data Type

A classification of data that tells the compiler how the programmer intends to use the data (e.g., integer, floating-point, character).

Integer

A data type used to store whole numbers (e.g., -5, 0, 100).

Floating-Point

A data type used to store numbers with decimal places (e.g., 3.14, -0.001, 2.5).

Syntax Error

An error that occurs when the program violates the grammar rules of the programming language; detected by the compiler.

Runtime Error

An error that occurs while the program is running, often due to an invalid operation (e.g., division by zero, accessing invalid memory).

Logic Error

An error that causes the program to produce incorrect output or behave unexpectedly, even if it runs without crashing; typically difficult to detect.