Computer Science SL Terms

G11

Algorithm

A set of instructions that are followed to solve a problem. Also known as the computer’s thought process.

Argument

A way to provide more information to a function. The function uses this information while it runs, like a variable.

Array/s

Containers that hold and are used to group together variables. Arrays are like stores, the arrays are the shelves, and the food items are the variables inside.

Arithmetic operators

Performs mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction division and multiplication onto numerical values In a video game, if a character earns experience, it must be added to their overall experience. If they take damage, they will lose damage.

Assignment operators

(+=, -+, *=,=, >

Equality operator

Tests to see if 2 operands are considered equal + returns a boolean value

Binary numbers

Millions of 1's and 0's - Computer's way to represent information

Autonomous

Self navigating

Bit

Individual 1's and 0's in binary

Block coding

Programming blocks fit together like puzzle pieces. When coding with blocks, the first block you want to program is taken and attached to another block to execute the program.

Camel case

Variables should be named using a camel case, which means that the first word of the name is in lowercase and each new word after that is capitalised. “iPhone, eBay, YouTube, iD, CamelCase”

Conditional statements

Evaluate true or false

For loops

Allows to run a block of code repeatedly

Else if

When statement's condition is not true before the else statement

Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

Software that aids with programming

Syntax

Set of rules that defines what various symbol combinations mean

Statement

Complete command to be executed f.eg System.print.out(“Hello World”);

Declaration statement

Used to define a variable by indicating the data type, name then optimally set the variable to a specific value

Character literal

!@#$%^&*()

Keywords

Any number of reserved words that have a predefined meaning in java

Case sensitive (also a keyword)

int --> Int

RAM

Random Access Memory

Int

Integer (whole number)

Expression

Coding construct that evaluates to a single value → On the right side of the equals sign in an assignment or declaration statement

Operators

Perform operations (+ - * /) on variables

Primitive types

byte, short, int, ling, float, double, char, boolean

Overflow

Value larger than MAX into int

Underflow

Value smaller than MIN into int

Replacing commas

123,456,789 → 123_456_789

Casting

Treating of converting a number from one type to another

Casting example

(byte) (myMinByteValue /2);

Char

Holds single characters in single quotes 'm'

String

Can hold multiple characters in single quotes "Hello World"

Boolean

True or false

Server

Computer that provides data to other computers

Router

Routes data from a LAN to another network connection

Firewall

Barrier/filter between trusted system network and outside connections → Security

DNS Server

Domain name system → Translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing you to access an internet location by its domain name

LAN

Local area network

WAN

Wide area network

Hardware

Physical components of a computer, for example keyboards, monitors, microchips, hard drives.

Software

Sets of instructions that are used to operate a computer or perform tasks. The digital components inside a computer.

Peripheral

Device or equipment that is connected to the computer but is not used to perform any core computing processes. Can be connected externally or internally.

Network

A system that connects two or more computing devices for transmitting and sharing data.

&&

Requires left and right hand operands to be TRUE

Legacy system

Once used, no more

Merger considerations

Time zones, languages, currencies, cultural differences, data compability

Direct changeover

One system out, other one in

Parallel running

Old and new system run simultaneously

Phased changeover

Changing system bit by bit

Pilot changeover

Tried on a test site before launching company wide

Data migration

Moving of data

Issues of data migration

Null, duplicate data, inconsistent or inaccurate data

Purpose of system testing

Works as expected

Unit test

Each module is tested

System test

Overall function and performance

Recovery test

Forces software to fail

Security test

Attempts to verify that protection systems work properly

Stress test

Resources in abnormal quantities

Black box test

Don't know internals

White box test

Know internals

Automated test

System test

User acceptance test

When system is delivered, it is what the user expects

Happy users...=

More productive users = Good for developers

Usability testing

Does it meet functional requirements?

Acceptance testing

For acceptability

Static testing

Looking through code

Dynamic testing

Running the code

Alpha test

First phase of testing process

Beta test

Second phase of testing process, sample is given

User documentation

Document that helps how to use tagged features,

User documentation examples

Books, pdfs, manuals, pamphlets, videos, FAQ, online support

KISS

Keep it simple stupid

Help files

Accessible when using program itself

Data loss

Losing data

Failure

Hardware/software/data corruption

Crime

Theft, hacking, sabotage

Virus

Installs harmful software

Trojan

Looks good, is bad

Worm

Replicates itself

Client data

Digital format, usually backed on DVD/CD

Internal process data

Internal forms, on local server or machine

Customer accounting data

Invoicing, general accounting of receivables/payables, tax documents, kept on local server or machine

Customer relationship management

Where your customers are, interactions with you, behavior, kept on local server or machine

Marketing materials

Brochures, print advertisements, websites, local server or machine

Correspondence

Email storage, local server or machine

Backup

Copy of data

Failover system

Constant capability to switch to a highly reliable backup system - Costly, redundant

Redundancy

Same data, separate places

Removable media

CD, USB, memory card

Offsite storage

Stores backup data or applications external to the organization/core IT environment

Online storage

Cloud, remotely over internet

Release

Launching a new product

Update

File that fixes prpblems

Patches

Small temporary fixes

Social issues

Influences individuals in a society

Social issues examples

Crime, health, education, propaganda, poverty, terrorism

Ethical issues

Problems that requires person/organization to choose between alternatives that need to be evaluated as right/wrong

Ethical issues examples

Computer crime, protection of computer property, records, software, privacy

Stakeholder

Person/Group/Organization that has interest or concern in an organization