AP CSP Exam Vocab

Khan Academy AP Exam Review Vocabulary

Syntax error

A mistake in typed code that violates the rules of the programming language, causing the code not to run.

Logic error

A mistake in an algorithm or program leading to unexpected behavior or incorrect results.

Run-time error

An error in a program that occurs during execution, like attempting to access non-existent memory.

Overflow error

Error due to insufficient bits to represent a number, like a car odometer "rolling over."

Bit

A binary digit, 0 or 1.

Byte

A sequence of 8 bits.

Roundoff

Error from insufficient bits to represent a number with full precision, like 3.14 as 3.

Analog data

Values changing smoothly over time, e.g., pitch and volume in a live concert.

Lossless

Data compression preserving all data for full recovery of the original.

Lossy

Data compression discarding some data, making recovery of the original impossible.

Metadata

Information about data, like file descriptions or database row details.

Sequencing

Sequential execution of steps in an algorithm or program.

Selection

Boolean condition determining paths in an algorithm.

Iteration

Repeating steps in an algorithm for a set number of times or until a condition is met.

Linear search

Algorithm iterating through a list to find a target value.

Binary search

Algorithm searching a sorted list by splitting it in half.

Reasonable time

Algorithm runtime not increasing faster than a polynomial function of input size.

Heuristic

Technique aiding algorithms in finding solutions in complex problems.

Undecidable

A problem so complex no algorithm can answer for all inputs.

Library

Collection of useful procedures for program creation.

API

Application Programming Interface, a procedure library with call descriptions.

Modularity

Separating a program into independent modules for specific functionalities.

Traversal

Iterating over items in a list, fully or partially.

Computing device

Physical device running programs, like computers or smartphones.

Computer network

Interconnected devices capable of data exchange.

Bandwidth

Maximum data transfer rate over a network connection.

Protocol

Agreed rules specifying system behavior.

Scalability

System's ability to adjust to new demands.

IP (Internet Protocol)

Protocol for addressing nodes and routing data.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

Data transport protocol ensuring reliable packet transmission.

UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

Lightweight data transport protocol with minimal error checking.

World Wide Web

System of linked pages and media browsable over HTTP.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

Protocol powering the Web for requesting webpages and submitting data.

Parallel computing

Splitting a program into tasks for simultaneous execution.

Speedup

Improvement in time taken by a parallelized program.

Distributed computing

Using multiple devices to run different parts of a program.

Digital divide

Disparity in computing access among communities or populations.

Crowdsourcing

Collaborative model for funding projects or generating ideas.

Citizen science

Public participation in scientific research projects.

Creative Commons

Alternative to copyright for sharing artistic creations.

Open access

Policy allowing access to documents or data.

PII (Personally identifiable information)

Information uniquely identifying an individual.

Multifactor authentication (MFA)

User authentication requiring multiple evidence pieces.

Encryption

Scrambling data to prevent unauthorized access.

Symmetric encryption

Technique using the same key for encryption and decryption.

Public key encryption

Asymmetric encryption using different keys for encryption and decryption.

Cookie

Small text tracking user information on websites.

Virus

Type of malware capable of self-replication.

Phishing

Deceptive attack tricking users into revealing private information.

Rogue access point

Unauthorized wireless access point intercepting network traffic.