OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277) Algorithms and Programming Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering OCR GCSE Computer Science Paper 2 topics including Computational Thinking, Programming Fundamentals, Robust Programs, Boolean Logic, and IDEs.

Algorithm

A set of instructions that are all in order to complete a task.

Computational Thinking

Thinking critically and logically when solving a problem; being able to analytically solve a problem.

Abstraction

Removing the unnecessary parts of a problem so that you only focus on the necessary/important parts.

Decomposition

Breaking a complex problem down into smaller problems so that it is more manageable/easier to solve.

Algorithmic Thinking

The process of building a solution to a problem; creating a set of instructions in order to solve a problem.

Binary Search

A type of searching algorithm that locates the midpoint within a data set and removes irrelevant halves. The data set must be in order to use this method.

Linear Search

A type of searching algorithm that goes down a list checking each piece of data in turn. The data set does not need to be in order.

Bubble Sort

A sorting algorithm where the data set is passed through and two pieces of data are looked at in turn. The process stops only when a pass is completed without moving any data.

Merge Sort

A sorting algorithm where the data set is broken into pairs, reorganized, and merged back together repeatedly until the whole set is in order.

Insertion Sort

A sorting algorithm that creates a new, temporary list and places each piece of data into the correct place in that new list.

Pseudocode

A midpoint between programming syntax and written language that is not syntax specific and can be converted into any programming language.

Trace Table

A tool used to test an algorithm for logic errors by simulating the flow of execution and tracking variable values.

Variable

Used within a computer program to store a single piece of data where the contents can be changed.

Constant

Used within a computer program to store a single piece of data that does not change within the program.

Sequence

A basic programming construct where instructions are in order so that one piece of code executes followed by the next.

Selection

A programming construct where a decision is used to allow for multiple outcomes dependent on the data inputted (e.g., $if$ statements).

Iteration

A basic programming construct where a section of code is repeated.

Condition Controlled Iteration

A type of iteration where code is repeated until a certain condition is met, meaning it could execute any number of times (e.g., $while$ loops).

Count Controlled Iteration

A type of iteration where code is repeated a specific number of times (e.g., $for$ loops).

String Concatenation

The process of bringing together and combining two or more strings, represented in Python with a $+$ operator.

Record

All the data stored about a single data subject within a database table, often seen as a single row.

Field

Categories for which data is collected in a database, often seen as a single column within a table.

SQL (Structured Query Language)

The language used to manage, maintain, and query a database using statements like SELECT, FROM, and WHERE.

Function

A type of sub-program consisting of a sequence of instructions which return a value.

Procedure

A type of sub-program consisting of a sequence of instructions which do not return a value.

Integer

A data type used to store whole numbers.

Real/Float

A data type used to store numbers that require decimal places.

Casting

The process of altering a variable's data type within a program.

DIV

An arithmetic operator used to find the whole number result of a division, represented by $//$ in Python.

MOD

An arithmetic operator used to find the remainder of a division, represented by $\%$ in Python.

Input Sanitisation

The process of 'cleaning up' a user's input (such as removing white space) to ensure it is in a suitable format for processing.

Validation

The process of checking that a user has inputted data in the correct format (e.g., checking for a date format of DD/MM/YYYY).

Iterative Testing

Testing carried out throughout the development of a program by performing mini tests on sections of code as they are completed.

Final/Terminal Testing

Testing that takes place once the program has been completed to check the whole program and how sections interact.

Syntax Error

An error where the code has been written incorrectly, causing the program to fail or crash.

Logic Error

An error that does not stop the program from running but causes it to produce an incorrect or unexpected outcome.

Binary

A base $2$ number system using $1$ and $0$ to represent all data within a computer system.

AND Gate

A logic gate where both inputs must be TRUE ($1$) for the output to be TRUE ($1$), represented by the symbol $\land$.

OR Gate

A logic gate where one or both inputs must be TRUE ($1$) for the output to be TRUE ($1$), represented by the symbol $\lor$.

NOT Gate

A logic gate where the output is the opposite of the input, represented by the symbol $\neg$.

High Level Programming Language

A language like Python or Java that is easier for humans to understand and must be translated by an interpreter or compiler.

Low Level Programming Language

A language written in 'assembly language' that closely represents how the CPU works and executes faster.

Compiler

A translator that converts high-level code into machine code by translating the whole program in one go.

Interpreter

A translator that converts high-level code into machine code by translating the program line by line.

IDE (Integrated Development Environment)

Software used to create programs that provides tools such as code editors, error diagnostics, and run-time environments.