AP CSP Vocabulary

Syntax error

A mistake in typed code that violates the rules of the programming language, preventing the code from running.

Logic error

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

Run-time error

A mistake in a program that occurs during execution, like accessing non-existent memory.

Overflow error

Error due to insufficient bits to represent a number, similar to an odometer "rolling over."

Bit

A binary digit, 0 or 1, fundamental in binary numbers.

Byte

A sequence of 8 bits, essential in computing and data storage.

Analog data

Values changing smoothly over time, like pitch and volume in music.

Lossless

Data compression preserving all original data for full recovery.

Lossy

Data compression discarding some data, making full recovery impossible.

Metadata

Information about data, like file descriptions or database rows.

Sequencing

Sequential execution of steps in an algorithm or program.

Selection

Using Boolean conditions to choose paths in an algorithm.

Iteration

Repeating steps in an algorithm until a condition is met.

Linear search

Algorithm searching for a target value by iterating through a list.

Binary search

Algorithm searching a sorted list by splitting it in half.

Reasonable time

Algorithm runtime not increasing faster than a polynomial function.

Heuristic

Technique aiding algorithms in finding solutions in complex problems.

Undecidable

Problems without an algorithm to answer for all inputs.

Library

Collection of useful procedures for program creation.

API

Application Programming Interface, a set of procedures and their descriptions.

Modularity

Separating a program into independent modules for functionality.

Traversal

Iterating over items in a list, either fully or partially.

Computing device

Physical device capable of running programs.

Computer network

Interconnected devices for 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 and routing data on networks.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

Ensures reliable data transmission.

UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

Lightweight data transport protocol.

World Wide Web

System of linked pages and media browsable over HTTP.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

Web protocol for requesting and submitting data.

Parallel computing

Splitting a program into tasks for simultaneous execution.

Speedup

Improvement in time taken by parallelized programs.

Distributed computing

Using multiple devices to run program parts.

Digital divide

Disparity in computing access among communities.

Crowdsourcing

Collaborative model for funding projects or generating ideas.

Citizen science

Involving public volunteers in scientific research.

Creative Commons

Alternative to copyright for sharing artistic creations.

Open access

Policy allowing access to documents and data.

PII (Personally identifiable information)

Data identifying individuals.

Multifactor authentication (MFA)

User authentication with multiple evidence pieces.

Encryption

Scrambling data to prevent unauthorized access.

Symmetric encryption

Using the same key for encrypting and decrypting data.

Public key encryption

Asymmetric encryption with different keys for encryption and decryption.

Cookie

Small text tracking user information on websites.

Virus

Self-replicating computer malware.

Phishing

Deceptive attack to obtain private information.

Rogue access point

Unauthorized wireless access point for network interception.