AP vocabulary

What is a program?

A set of instructions (program statements) that a computer can follow to perform a specific task.

What is a computer?

A machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations automatically that stores and processes data.

What does computing refer to?

The act of performing calculations or using a computer.

What are commands in programming?

Specific instructions given to a computer program to perform an action.

What does the command 'Move();' do?

It moves a robot or character one step forward.

What is the purpose of the putBall(); command?

To place a ball at the current location.

What does takeBall(); command do?

It picks up a ball from the current location.

What action does turnLeft(); command perform?

It rotates 90 degrees to the left.

What is debugging?

The process of finding and fixing errors or bugs in computer hardware or software.

What does programming involve?

The process of writing computer programs or instructions for a computer to follow.

What is KWL?

A learning strategy to organize information before, during, and after a unit of study or reading.

What are functions in programming?

A named block of code that performs a specific task and can be reused.

What does it mean to define a function?

The process of writing the code for a function, including its name, parameters, and instructions.

What does calling a function entail?

Executing a function's code by referencing its name.

What is a function body?

The block of code containing the instructions to be executed when a function is called.

What is the Start Function?

The primary function where program execution begins, often called 'main()' or 'start()'.

What does it mean to read code like a story?

Writing code that is clear, logical, and easy to follow.

What is decomposition in programming?

The process of breaking down a complex problem into smaller, manageable sub-problems.

What is top down design?

An approach where the overall system is defined at a high level and then broken down into smaller components.

What is meant by nested structures?

When one program structure or element is contained within another.

What are pre-conditions?

Conditions that must be true before a specific function or code is executed.

What are post-conditions?

Conditions that are guaranteed to be true after a specific function has successfully executed, assuming pre-conditions were met.

What does API stand for?

Application Programming Interface, a set of defined rules for building and interacting with software applications.

What does speaking to computers involve?

Communicating instructions to a computer through programming languages or input devices.

What is procedure abstraction?

The ability to use methods and programs that we don’t fully understand.

What is a condition in programming?

Code placed inside an if statement to control execution.

What are if statements used for?

To ask a question to the program and execute code only if the answer is true.

What do for loops do?

Allow us to repeat code a fixed number of times.