Module 11 Terms & Skills

Vocabulary flashcards covering programming definitions, data types, flowchart symbols, programming languages, and secure coding practices from Module 11.

Algorithm

A step-by-step procedure or set of rules designed to perform a specific task or solve a problem.

Assembly Language

A low-level language that replaces binary code with symbolic operation codes (op codes).

Assign

An operation used to store a value in a variable.

Bash / Shell Scripting

Used for automation, log analysis, and incident response. Essential for automating security tasks on Unix/Linux systems.

Boolean

A data type that represents one of two logical values: True or False.

Buffer Overflow

Occurs when a program writes more data into a memory buffer than it can hold, potentially allowing attackers to take control of the system. Fix: Limit input length and use languages with automatic memory management.

C / C++

Used in vulnerability research, exploit development, and reverse engineering. Provides control over memory and hardware.

Character

A data type that stores single letters, digits, or symbols. Each character is represented using a coding scheme like ASCII.

Compiler

A program that translates source code into machine code all at once, creating an executable file.

Conditional

A structure that allows a program to make decisions, such as 'if this condition is true, do X; otherwise, do Y'.

Data Symbol

A parallelogram shape representing input or output of information in a flowchart.

Decision Symbol

A diamond shape that asks a yes/no or true/false question to determine the next step in a flowchart.

Declare

The process of defining a variable by specifying its name and data type.

Directional Arrow

A connector showing the flow or order of operations, indicating what happens next or if a step repeats.

Floating Point

A data type used to represent real numbers that include fractional parts (decimals).

Flowchart

A graphical representation of an algorithm or process using standard symbols to show the flow of operations.

Flowgorithm

A flowchart-based programming environment that allows users to design and run algorithms visually.

Function

A reusable block of code designed to perform a specific task.

High-Level Language

A programming language closer to human language, making it easier to learn and use than low-level languages.

Improper or Missing Input Validation

Happens when a program fails to check if input data is valid or safe, leading to crashes or code injection. Fix: Always validate and sanitize input before using it.

Input/Output (I/O)

Refers to how data enters (input) and exits (output) a program—for example, through user interaction or file reading/writing.

Input

A command or operation that receives data from the user or another source for use in a program.

Integer

A data type that represents whole numbers, positive or negative, without decimals.

Interpreter

A program that translates and executes code line by line, allowing real-time testing but requiring an interpreter each time it runs.

JavaScript

Used for web app security and XSS testing. Helps understand web-based attacks and client-side code manipulation.

Loop

A structure that repeats a set of instructions until a specified condition is met.

Machine Language (Binary Code)

The most basic programming language consisting of 1s and 0s. It directly communicates with computer hardware.

Object Code

The compiled, machine-readable version of the program that the computer executes.

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

A programming paradigm that uses objects—bundles of data (attributes) and behaviors (methods)—to build reusable software components.

Output

A command or operation that displays or returns results to the user or another system.

Procedural Programming

A method that involves writing step-by-step procedures to achieve a goal. It focuses on concise, ordered execution.

Process Symbol

A rectangle in a flowchart that represents an operation or process that must be performed.

Program

A set of coded instructions that tell a computer how to perform a task.

Programming Language

A system of syntax and keywords used to write software, such as Python, C++, or JavaScript.

Pseudo-code

A plain-language description of an algorithm using programming-like syntax but not written in an actual programming language.

Python

Used for scripting, automation, penetration testing, and malware analysis. Easy to learn with strong libraries for networking and encryption.

Source Code

The human-readable code written by the programmer.

Terminator Symbol

An oval shape used in a flowchart to indicate the start or end of a process.

Variable

A named storage location in memory that holds a value which can change during program execution.

Validate All Inputs

Always check and clean any data coming from users or external systems.

Use Safe Database Queries

Write database queries in a way that separates code from user input (e.g., prepared statements).

Strong Authentication

Require secure login methods (strong passwords, MFA).

Limit User Permissions

Give users only the access they absolutely need.

Encrypt Sensitive Data

Protect important data when it is stored and when it is sent across networks.

Hide System Details in Errors

Don’t show technical error messages to users.

Keep Software Updated

Regularly update libraries, frameworks, and tools.

Encode Output Data

Format data safely before displaying it in a browser.

Check Access on Every Request

Verify permissions every time a user tries to access something.

Log and Monitor Activity

Track important actions like logins and errors.