CSP Important Terms

Syntax error

A mistake in typed code that violates the rules of the programming language. Code with these errors will not run.

Logic error

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

Run-time error

An error that occurs only when the program is running, such as accessing nonexistent memory.

Overflow error

An error that happens when a number exceeds the storage capacity (like an odometer rolling over).

Bit

A binary digit, either 0 or 1.

Byte

A sequence of 8 bits.

Roundoff

Error caused by insufficient bits to represent a number with full precision (e.g., 3.14 for π).

Analog data

Data that changes smoothly over time (e.g., live concert volume).

Lossless

Compression that preserves all data and allows full recovery.

Lossy

Compression that discards some data, making full recovery impossible.

Metadata

Data about data (e.g., file descriptions).

Sequencing

Executing steps in order, like a recipe.

Selection

Using a Boolean condition to choose between two paths.

Iteration

Repeating steps for a set amount of times or until a condition is met.

Linear search

Checking each item in a list until the target is found.

Binary search

Searching a sorted list by repeatedly dividing it in half.

Reasonable time

Algorithm runtime that doesn’t grow faster than a polynomial function.

Heuristic

A technique that finds a good solution for a complex problem.

Undecidable

A problem with no algorithm that guarantees an answer for all inputs.

Library

A collection of reusable code procedures.

API

A library of procedures with descriptions on how to use them.

Modularity

Dividing a program into independent modules.

Traversal

Iterating through items in a list (full or partial).

Computing device

Any physical device that can run a program (e.g., phone, computer).

Computer network

A group of devices that send/receive data.

Bandwidth

Maximum data transfer rate over a network (bits per second).

Protocol

A set of rules that define system behavior.

Scalability

A system’s ability to handle increased demand.

IP (Internet Protocol)

Defines addressing and routing of data.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

Reliable data transport protocol.

UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

A fast but less reliable data transport protocol.

World Wide Web

A system of linked web pages and media.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

The protocol for web page requests and form submissions.

Parallel computing

Running multiple tasks simultaneously.

Speedup

Performance improvement in parallel computing (sequential time / parallel time).

Distributed computing

Running different parts of a program on multiple devices.

Digital divide

The gap between those with and without computing access.

Crowdsourcing

Many users contributing to a project (e.g., Wikipedia).

Citizen science

Volunteers participating in scientific research.

Creative Commons

Alternative to copyright allowing flexible content usage.

Open access

Free availability of documents or datasets.

PII (Personally Identifiable Information)

Data that can identify an individual.

Multifactor authentication (MFA)

Authentication requiring multiple verification methods.

Encryption

Scrambling data to prevent unauthorized access.

Symmetric encryption

Uses the same key for encryption and decryption.

Public key encryption

Uses different keys for encryption and decryption.

Cookie

Small text file that tracks user data on websites.

Virus

Malware that replicates itself.

Phishing

A scam tricking users into revealing personal information.

Rogue access point

An unauthorized network access point used for attacks.