zyBooks

Algorithm

A sequence of instructions to solve a problem.

Syntax Error

Violation of language rules, detected by the compiler (compile-time error).

Logic Error (Bug)

Error during program execution.

Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

Software integrating a text editor and a compiler.

Variable

A named item (e.g., x, numPeople) holding a value.

Expression

Number, variable name, or calculation (e.g., 80, numApples, numApples + 1).

Modulo Operator (%)

Returns remainder of integer division (e.g., 23 % 10 is 3).

String

Sequence of characters.

Debugging

Process of finding and fixing the cause of a problem.

Loop

Program construct repeating statements while an expression is true.

Comment

Text ignored by the compiler, for human understanding.

Whitespace

Spaces, tabs, and newlines; mostly irrelevant to the compiler.

Bits

0s and 1s (binary digits).

Compilers

Translate high-level language to executable programs.

Solid-State Drive (SSD)

Flash memory for storing files.

RAM (Random-Access Memory)

Temporarily holds data.

Byte

8 bits.

Processor

Executes programs.

Operating System

Manages programs and peripherals.

Cache

Small, fast RAM on the processor.

Clock

Governs processor instruction execution rate.

Transistors

Small switches integrated onto a chip.

Moore's Law

Doubling of IC capacity roughly every 18 months.

Command-Line Argument

Value entered after the program name from the command line.

Function/Function Call

List of statements executed by invoking the function's name.

Arguments

Input values to a function.

Runtime Error

Severe error causing program termination.

Type Conversion

Conversion from one data type to another (e.g., int to double).

Implicit Conversion

Automatic conversion by the compiler.

Type Cast

Explicitly converts a value from one type to another using static_cast<type>(expression).

Binary Number

Base-2 representation using 0s and 1s.

Decimal Number

Base-10 representation using 0-9.

char

Stores a single character (e.g., char myChar;).

ASCII

Standard for encoding characters as numbers.

Escape Sequence

Two-character sequence starting with \ representing a special character.

String Literal

Character sequence with double quotes (e.g., "Hello").

Whitespace Character

Represents spaces, tabs, and newlines.

Overflow

Occurs when assigned value exceeds maximum variable value.

auto

Keyword telling the compiler to determine variable type.

typeid

Operator reports a variable's type.

Branch

Sequence of statements executed under a condition.

Iteration

Each time through a loop's statements.

Sentinel Value

Special Value Idicating the end of a list.