Chapter 01: Introduction to Python Programming

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering basic computer architecture, hardware, software, Python execution concepts, algorithm design, and error debugging based on Chapter 01 lecture notes.

Program

A sequence of instructions that directs a computer to perform a task by combining data, operations, decisions, and repetition.

Programming

The process of designing a solution, implementing it in a programming language, and testing, debugging, and maintaining the program.

Hardware

Physical components of a computer system, such as the CPU, memory, storage, and I/O devices, that provide resources on which programs execute.

Software

Programs consisting of system software, which manages hardware and provides services, and application software, which solves user problems.

Computer Components Architecture

A system layout showing how input/output devices, ports, CPU, memory, disk controller, secondary storage, and network controller connect across a system bus.

Control Unit (CU)

A CPU component that fetches and interprets instructions, coordinates data movement and timing, and controls communication with memory and I/O.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

A CPU component that performs arithmetic operations, comparisons, and logical operations under the direction of the control unit.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Fast working memory that holds data and instructions currently in use and into which programs are loaded for execution.

Secondary Storage

Persistent storage components, such as SSDs and hard drives, that retain programs and data long term.

Python Source Code

Human-readable statements, such as print("Hello"), saved as a .py file or entered interactively in a case-sensitive format.

Python Runtime

The execution environment that runs Python code, reports syntax or execution problems, and produces output or changes program state.

Identifiers

Names assigned to variables, functions, and other objects in Python code that must be case-sensitive and descriptive without spaces or reserved keywords.

Keywords

Reserved words in Python with predefined meanings, such as if, for, while, def, and return.

Indentation

The formatting convention in Python that uses leading whitespace to define code blocks and program structure.

IPO Model

A universal problem-solving pattern consisting of Input, Process, and Output used to translate real-world problems into structured programs.

Algorithm

A finite, ordered, and unambiguous sequence of steps for solving a problem with defined inputs, defined outputs, and guaranteed termination.

Pseudocode

A simple, language-neutral method of describing algorithm logic using plain statements before writing code.

Flowchart

A visual representation of program logic that uses standardized symbols to depict sequence, decisions, and repetition.

Syntax Errors

Errors detected before an intended statement executes, caused by violations of language rules such as missing colons, unmatched quotes, or improper indentation.

Runtime Errors

Errors that occur during program execution, such as attempting a division by zero ($10 / 0$).

Logic Errors

Errors where the code runs without crashing but produces an incorrect result due to flawed logic or wrong formulas.

Debugging Cycle

A systematic 5-step problem-solving workflow: Run, Observe, Locate, Fix, and Retest.