Introduction to Programming Concepts (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts from the lecture notes on programs, scripts, syntax, semantics, Python, and automation.

Program

A set of step-by-step instructions that tells the computer what to do to complete a task.

Recipe (analogy)

A metaphor describing a program as a step-by-step recipe of what needs to be done.

Code

The written instructions that constitute a program, expressed in a programming language.

Programming language

A language that provides the syntax and semantics for writing programs; similar to human languages but with formal rules.

Syntax

The rules for how statements are written in a programming language.

Semantics

The meaning or effects of statements in a program; what the instructions cause the computer to do.

Subject

In a sentence, the person, place, or thing the sentence is about.

Predicate

The part of a sentence that describes what the subject does; typically a verb and its accompanying information.

Python

A specific programming language used in this course to learn the basics of programming.

Python syntax

The rules for writing instructions in Python.

Script

A program with a short development cycle that can be created and deployed rapidly; in this course, script and program are used interchangeably.

Automation

The use of programs or scripts to perform tasks automatically, saving time and effort.

Short development cycle

A characteristic of scripts: they are short, simple, and can be written very quickly.