AP CSP ULTIMATE GUIDE

Protocol

A set of rules for how data is transmitted over a network. Example: HTTPS protocol used to securely load websites.

IP address

A unique number that identifies a device on the internet. Example: 192.168.1.1 used to identify your home router.

DNS

System that translates domain names to IP addresses. Example: Typing www.google.com is resolved to an IP by ___.

Packet

Small chunk of data sent over a network. Example: When streaming Netflix, video is sent in packets.

Routing

The process of choosing paths in a network for data. Example: Google Maps chooses shortest path like routers do with data.

Fault Tolerance

The internet still works even if parts fail. Example: If one server crashes, others handle the request.

HTTP/HTTPS

Protocols used to access websites (HTTPS is secure). Example: Online banking sites use HTTPS.

IP/TCP

Core internet protocols; TCP ensures delivery, IP handles addressing. Example: TCP resends packets if a file download is interrupted.

Redundancy

Extra pathways in a network to increase reliability. Example: Backup internet cables under the ocean.

Bandwidth

Maximum data that can pass through a network. Example: 100 Mbps home Wifi

Latency

Delay before data transfer starts. Example: Lag in online gaming

Digital Divide

Gap between people with and without internet access. Example: Rural areas with no broadband access.

SSL/TLS

Encryption protocols for secure web communication. Example: Online checkout pages use certificates.

Internet Protocol Suite

Collection of rules (like TCP/IP) for internet data. Example: Sending an email relies on TCP/IP protocols.

Open Standards

Publicly shared rules for internet technologies. Example: HTML is an open standard for web pages.

World Wide Web vs. Internet

Web = websites; Internet = entire network. Example: The Web is like the library, Internet is like the roads.

Internet Scalability

The internet can grow and handle more devices. Example: Billions of smartphones online at once.

Binary

A way to represent data using 1s and 0s. Example: Computers store text like 'A' as 01000001.

Bit/Byte

Bit = 1 binary digit; Byte = 8 bits. Example: A 4GB movie has billions of bytes.

Overflow Error

When a number is too big for the storage space. Example: Old video games score counter rolling to zero.

Round off error

when a computer comes across an irrational number

Lossless Compression

Shrinks file without losing data. Example: ZIP file compresses documents without losing info.

Lossy Compression

Shrinks file but loses some data. Example: JPEG image reduces quality to save space.

Abstraction

Simplifying complex details. Example: Google Maps shows only roads and locations, hiding raw data.

Metadata

Data about data (e.g., photo size, format). Example: A photo's ___ may include camera settings.

File Types

Formats like JPEG, MP3 for storing data. Example: Word doc (.docx), music file (.mp3).

Sampling

Measuring sound/image at intervals for digital storage. Example: iPhone records audio at 44.1kHz sample rate.

Creative Commons/Open Source/Open Access

Free ways to share and use content/data/code. Example: Wikipedia uses a license.

Algorithm

Step

Sequencing, Selection, Iteration

Order, decisions (if), and loops. Example: A traffic light uses sequence, if

Boolean Expressions

True/false conditions. Example: 'Is age >= 16?' checks if someone can drive.

Conditionals

If

Loops

Repeat code (for, while). Example: FitBit step counter checks steps every second.

Variables

Store data values. Example: the ___ 'score' in a game tracks your points.

Lists/Arrays

Store multiple values in one place. Example: List of groceries: [milk, eggs, bread].

Indexes

Position of item in a list (starts at 1 in AP pseudocode). Example: The 1st item in list [cat, dog, bird] is 'cat.'

Parameters

Inputs to a function. Example: A function that calculates tax may take 'price' as a parameter.

Return Values

Output from a function. Example: Function input: 3+4 → return value: 7.

Procedures (Functions)

Reusable code blocks. Example: A 'calculateTotal' function in an online store checkout.

Abstraction (in code)

Hiding details using functions. Example: You call 'playSound()' without knowing how sound plays.

Linear Search

Check each item one by one. Example: Looking through a contact list without sorting.

Binary Search

Repeatedly divide list to find an item. Example: Searching a name in an alphabetized directory.

Sorting Algorithms

Organize data (e.g., bubble sort). Example: Sorting test scores from low to high.

Simulation

Model a real

Pseudocode

Fake code that shows logic. Example: 'If age > 18, print 'adult.'

Event

driven Programming

String Operations

Manipulate text (e.g., 'hello' + 'world'). Example: Joining first and last names into a full name.

Encryption

Scrambling data for security. Example: WhatsApp ___ messages.

Decryption

Turning encrypted data back to normal. Example: Your device decrypts WhatsApp messages.

Public Key Encryption

Uses two keys (public + private). Example: Secure email uses public key to encrypt.

Private Key

Secret key used to decrypt. Example: Only you have the private key to read messages.

Symmetric/Asymmetric Encryption

One key vs. two

Phishing

Fake messages tricking users to give info. Example: Fake email asking for credit card info.

Malware

Harmful software. Example: A virus that deletes files.

DDoS Attack

Overload a system with traffic to crash it. Example: Hackers flood a website with requests to shut it down.

Firewalls

Protect networks from threats. Example: School blocks gaming websites

Antivirus Software

Detects and removes malware. Example: Norton Antivirus scans for threats.

Cookies

Track user behavior online. Example: Shopping sites use ___ to remember your cart.

Data Breach

Unauthorized access to data. Example: Hackers steal customer data from Target.

PII

Info that identifies a person (e.g., SSN). Example: Name + address + SSN = PII.

Cybersecurity

Protecting systems/data from attacks. Example: Using strong passwords and 2FA.

Certificate Authorities

Verify websites are secure. Example: Lock icon in browser shows valid certificate.

Crowdsourcing

Using many people's input to solve problems. Example: Wikipedia written by many users.

Citizen Science

Public helps collect scientific data. Example: People report bird sightings for research.

Bias in Algorithms

When code produces unfair results. Example: A hiring app that favors certain resumes.

Access/Equity/Inclusion

Ensuring all groups benefit from tech. Example: Providing screen readers for the blind.

Intellectual Property

Legal rights to creations (music, code). Example: Copyright on a software app.

Censorship

Controlling or blocking access to info. Example: Government blocks certain websites.

Data Permanence

Online data is hard to delete forever. Example: Deleted tweets can still be archived.

Moore's Law

Computer power doubles ~every 2 years. Example: Smartphones become faster every year.

Automation

Tech doing tasks without humans. Example: Robots assembling cars.

Assistive Technology

Tech helping people with disabilities. Example: Voice

Social/Economic/Cultural Impact

How computing affects life. Example: Remote work changing office culture.

Computing Innovations

New creations using computers. Example: AI systems like ChatGPT.

Input

Data given to a program. Example: User typing a search in Google.

Output

Data produced by a program. Example: Search results displayed.

Processing

Actions performed on input. Example: Calculating totals in a shopping cart.

Storage

Saving data. Example: Google Drive storing your files.

Events

User actions that trigger code. Example: Clicking 'Submit' on a form.

Concatenation

Combining strings. Example: 'Hello' + 'World' = 'HelloWorld'.

Modularization

Splitting code into smaller parts. Example: Breaking a game into score(), jump(), restart().

Code Tracing

Following code line by line. Example: Debugging why a score isn't updating.

Modeling

Representing a real situation in code. Example: Simulating a disease outbreak.

Data Abstraction

Simplifying data (e.g., lists). Example: Using a list to store menu items.

Procedural Abstraction

Simplifying code (e.g., functions). Example: Using 'calculateTip()' instead of repeating code.

List Operations

Add, remove, find items in a list. Example: Adding a new item to your grocery list