Computer Science Exam 1: computers, programs, and files + Binary and Memory

computer

programmable device for processing, storing and displaying info

computer program

set of instructions that tell a computer what to do

hardware

electronic and mechanical components of a computer

Software

programs that control the hardware

computer science

study of computers and computational systems

what is included in computer science?

theory, systems, and applications

file

a named section of info stored on your computer

ex: Syllabus_CS170_Fall26.pdf

programs

files that contain info the processor can use to perform certain actions

ex: Operating System (ex: macOS)

source code

text file containing a program, written in programming language (helloworld.java)

java bytecode

machine instruction for a Java processor

compiler

(javac) program translates the source program to fill of bytecodes

program file

a file containing information that the processor can use to perform actions

booting

the process of starting the operating system when the computer turns on

source code

program instructions written in a programming language and stored in a text file

.java file

a file containing Java source code

.class file

A file containing Java bytecode created by the compiler

compilation

the process of translating java source code into bytecode

Java Virtual Machine (JVM)

a program that executes Java bytecode by translating it into machine instructions

Java interpreter

another name for the JVM

Class

The main structure inside a Java file. the public class name must match the filename

main method

The entry point where Java begins executing a program

Semicolon

marks the end of a Java statement

Binary

the base 2 number system that uses only 0 and 1

bit

a single binary digit, either 0 or 1. It is the smallest unit of information.

Byte

a group of 8 bits

binary place value

each position represents a power of 2

CPU

the processor that executes program instructions and works closely with main memory

input device

hardware that sends info to a computer, such as a keyboard or mouse

output device

hardware that presents info, such as a monitor, printer or speaker

main memory (RAM)

where programs and data are stored while the processor is actively using them

secondary memory

long term storage, such as a hard drive, OneDrive or iCloud Drive

Starting a program

the operating system copies the program from secondary memory into main memory and begins running it

memory storage

information is stored in memory as patterns of bits