Apcsp exam terms

Algorithm

A finite set of step-by-step instructions that accomplishes a task.

Sequencing

Running program statements in a specific order.

Selection

A programming structure that uses a condition to choose between different paths.

Iteration

Repeating steps in a program, usually with a loop.

Loop

A structure that repeats a block of code multiple times.

Condition

A Boolean expression that evaluates to true or false.

Boolean value

A value that is either true or false.

Boolean expression

An expression that evaluates to true or false.

Variable

A named storage location that holds a value.

Assignment

Storing a value in a variable.

Procedure

A named group of programming instructions that can be called and reused.

Function

A procedure that usually returns a value.

Parameter

A variable listed in a procedure definition that receives input when the procedure is called.

Argument

The actual value passed into a procedure when it is called.

Return value

The value sent back by a procedure or function.

Input

Data given to a program, often from a user, file, sensor, or another program.

Output

Data produced by a program, such as text, images, sound, or stored information.

Testing

Running a program or procedure to check whether it works correctly.

Debugging

Finding and fixing errors in a program.

Logic error

An error where the program runs but produces the wrong result.

Syntax error

An error caused by violating the rules of a programming language.

Runtime error

An error that occurs while a program is running.

List

A collection of related values stored under one name.

Element

A single item in a list.

Index

The position of an item in a list.

Traversal

Visiting each item in a list, usually with a loop.

Append

Adding an item to the end of a list.

Insert

Adding an item at a specific position in a list.

Remove

Deleting an item from a list.

Abstraction

Reducing complexity by hiding unnecessary details.

Procedural abstraction

Using procedures to hide the details of how a task is performed.

Data abstraction

Using a data structure, such as a list, to manage and organize data.

AND

A Boolean operator that is true only when both conditions are true.

OR

A Boolean operator that is true when at least one condition is true.

NOT

A Boolean operator that reverses a Boolean value.

Bit

A single binary digit, either 0 or 1.

Byte

A group of 8 bits.

Binary

A base-2 number system using only 0 and 1.

Decimal

The base-10 number system.

Overflow

When a value is too large to be represented with the available number of bits.

Metadata

Data about data.

Data cleaning

Fixing or removing incorrect, incomplete, duplicate, or irrelevant data.

Data bias

A problem caused when data is unrepresentative, incomplete, or unfairly collected.

Compression

Reducing the size of a file or data.

Lossless compression

Compression that allows the original data to be perfectly restored.

Lossy compression

Compression that permanently removes some data to reduce file size.

Internet

A global network of interconnected computing devices.

Network

A group of connected computing devices that can communicate.

Protocol

A set of rules for communication between devices.

Packet

A small unit of data sent over a network.

Packet switching

Sending data in small packets that may take different routes to the destination.

IP address

A numeric address used to identify a device on a network.

IP

A protocol used for addressing and routing packets.

TCP

A protocol that helps ensure packets are delivered reliably and in order.

DNS

A system that translates domain names into IP addresses.

HTTP

A protocol used to transfer web pages and web data.

HTTPS

A secure version of HTTP that uses encryption.

Bandwidth

The amount of data that can be sent over a network in a given amount of time.

Latency

The delay before data begins to transfer.

Fault tolerance

The ability of a system to keep working even when part of it fails.

Redundancy

Having extra components or paths so a system can continue working after a failure.

Scalability

The ability of a system to handle growth or increased demand.

Cybersecurity

Protecting computing systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access or harm.

Encryption

Converting readable data into unreadable form to protect it.

Decryption

Converting encrypted data back into readable form.

Key

Information used to encrypt or decrypt data.

Authentication

Verifying a user's identity.

Multifactor authentication

Authentication that uses more than one method.

Authorization

Determining what an authenticated user is allowed to access.

Phishing

Tricking users into revealing sensitive information.

Malware

Software designed to harm, exploit, or gain unauthorized access to a system.

DDoS attack

An attack that overwhelms a server or network with excessive traffic.

Computing innovation

A physical or nonphysical invention that includes a computer or program as a key part.

Digital divide

Unequal access to computing technology and the internet.

Accessibility

Designing technology so people with disabilities can use it.

Crowdsourcing

Getting ideas, services, or content from a large group of people, usually online.

Citizen science

Scientific research conducted partly or fully by members of the public.

Open source software

Software whose source code is available for others