APCSP Vocab

Internet

A global network of interconnected computers that communicate using standardized protocols.

IP Address

A unique identifier for a device on the Internet.

IPv4/IPv6

Versions of IP addressing; IPv4 is 32-bit and IPv6 is 128-bit.

DNS (Domain Name System)

Translates domain names into IP addresses.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

Ensures reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data.

UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

Sends data faster without error checking, used in live streaming and gaming.

HTTP/HTTPS

Protocols used for accessing websites; HTTPS is the secure version.

Packets

Small chunks of data sent across networks.

Redundancy

Having multiple pathways to increase reliability.

Fault Tolerance

Ability of a system to continue working even if parts fail.

Bandwidth

Maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network.

Latency

Delay in transmitting data over a network.

Algorithm

A finite set of steps for solving a problem.

Sequencing

The specific order in which instructions are executed.

Selection

Using if statements to make decisions.

Iteration

Repeating steps using loops such as for and while.

Boolean

A data type with only two values: true or false.

Variable

A name used to store data.

List (or Array)

An ordered collection of elements.

Procedure (Function)

A named set of instructions that performs a specific task.

Parameter

Input to a procedure or function.

Return Value

The result produced by a function.

Modularity

Designing a system divided into separate components.

Abstraction

Hiding complexity by using simple representations.

Binary

Base-2 number system used in computers (0s and 1s).

Bit

Smallest unit of data in computing.

Byte

8 bits.

Overflow Error

When a calculation exceeds the maximum value a system can represent.

Round-off Error

Error caused by imprecise representation of real numbers.

Lossless Compression

Reduces file size without losing data.

Lossy Compression

Reduces file size by removing some data.

Metadata

Data about data.

Encryption

Scrambling data to protect it.

Decryption

Unscrambling encrypted data.

Public Key Encryption

Uses one public key to encrypt and a private key to decrypt.

Phishing

Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information.

Malware

Malicious software such as viruses, worms, and spyware.

Firewall

Security system that monitors and controls network traffic.

Authentication

Verifying identity.

Symmetric Encryption

Uses the same key to encrypt and decrypt.

Asymmetric Encryption

Uses a public and private key pair.

Debugging

Finding and fixing errors in code.

Syntax Error

Mistake in the structure of code.

Logic Error

Code runs, but the result is incorrect.

Simulations

Programs that mimic real-world processes.

Events

Actions that trigger code.

Event-driven programming

Code that runs in response to events.

Digital Divide

The gap between those with and without access to computing.

Crowdsourcing

Using contributions from a large group of people online.

Citizen Science

Public participation in scientific research using technology.

Open Source

Software with publicly available source code.

Intellectual Property

Creations of the mind that are legally protected.

Creative Commons

Licensing that allows creators to share their work under specific conditions.

Input

Data entered into a program.

Output

Data sent from a program to the user.

Program Purpose

The intended goal or function of the program.

Data Abstraction

Using data structures to manage complexity.

Procedural Abstraction

Using functions to reduce complexity.

Algorithm Implementation

Writing code that uses sequencing, selection, and iteration.

Testing

Checking the program for expected behavior and errors.