APCPS unit 1

Bit

The smallest unit of data in a computer, having a single binary value of either 0 or 1.

Byte

A unit of data that is eight binary digits long, often used to represent a character such as a letter, number, or space.

Binary

A numbering scheme in which there are only two possible values for each digit: 0 and 1.

Algorithm

A complete, well-defined sequence of steps for completing a task or solving a problem.

Program

A sequence of instructions or steps written in a language that can be understood by a computer, used to complete a task or solve a problem.

Blocks

Puzzle-piece shapes that are used to create code in Snap!.

Scripts

Different types of blocks linked together.

Sprites

An object in Snap! which performs functions controlled by scripts.

Stage

The background of a project that performs functions through scripting.

Logic error

A mistake in the algorithm or program that causes it to behave incorrectly or unexpectedly.

Tracing

Hand simulating the execution of program code to manually verify that it works correctly.

Debugging

The process of identifying and removing errors from computer hardware or software.

ASCII

American Standard Code for Information Interchange, a character encoding standard for electronic communication.

Overflow Error

An error that occurs when calculated data cannot fit within the designated field.

Roundoff Error

Error produced when a computer performs real number calculations because many real numbers cannot be represented exactly.

Underflow Error

Occurs when a mathematical operation results in a number smaller than what the device can store.

Pixel

A minute area of illumination on a display screen, one of many that compose an image.

RGB

A system for representing colors on a computer display, combining red, green, and blue in various proportions.

Heuristic

A problem-solving approach (algorithm) to find a satisfactory solution when finding an optimal or exact solution is impractical.

Lossless Compression

A data compression algorithm that allows the original data to be perfectly reconstructed from the compressed data.

Lossy Compression

A data encoding and compression technique that deliberately discards some data during compression.

Creative Commons

A public copyright license that enables free distribution of otherwise copyrighted works.

Open Source

Programs that are made freely available for redistribution and modification.

Open Access

Online research output free of restrictions on access and many restrictions on use.