4-6 APCSP

Processing language

a text-based open-source programming language built for visual and electronic media design and manipulation.

semicolon

in some programming languages, the semicolon is often used to separate multiple statements or are required after every statement (terminators).

braces

Braces (aka: curly braces) are used to group the statements in an if statement, a loop, or other control structures.

debugging

locating and correcting errors in a program.

bug

any unwanted or unintended property of a program or piece of hardware, especially one that causes it to malfunction.

phi phenomenon

the optical illusion that is created when looking in rapid succession at a series of photos, animation and movement provided in rapid succession.

pixel

pixel (picture element) is the smallest element or unit that makes up a digital image that can be individually processed.

setup() function

a function used in the Processing language that runs and sets up the initial properties such as screen size, fonts, etc. when the program starts.

draw() function

an implicit looping structure that is executed every time the screen is redrawn in the Processing language.

while loop

a control flow statement that allows code to be executed repeatedly according to a given Boolean condition (consists of Initialization, condition, action and update)

iterative

repeating a process to generate an unbounded sequence of outcomes, or with the aim of approaching a desired goal or result.

initialization

to set a variable to an initial value (example: int numberDrawn = 0;)

RGB

an additive color model where Red Green and Blue light are added together to produce a variety of colors to display electronically.

CMYK

a subtractive color model where Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (Black) reduce the brightness from the white background to produce a variety of colors for primarily for printed media.

hexadecimal

a positional number system based on 16 and uses 16 symbols to represent values (0-9, A-F)

raster format image

an image represented by a grid of pixels - also known as bitmap. Can be scaled down with no quality loss, but when scaling up, can become fuzzy or pixelated.

bitmap

a file format used to store digital images comprised of a map of bits.

vector format image

a graphic image made up of paths, not a specific number of dots, so they can be rescaled and not lose any image quality.

raw format image

an original image from a digital camera that is neither processed nor compressed and is a larger file format.

jpeg format image

a processed and compressed image that is more accessible and generally has a smaller file format.

file formats

the way a file is encoded for structure and storage. Denoted with file extensions: .jpg, .gif, .pdf, .mp3, etc.

encoding

the process of putting a sequence of characters (letters, numbers, punctuation, symbols) into a particular format for transmission or storage.

run-length encoding (RLE)

Lossless data compression where sequences of the same data value are stored as a single value. Example: WWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEE would be compressed to 9W8E

encoding scheme

the conversion of a sequence of characters (letters, numbers, punctuation, symbols, etc.) - the use of code to convert original data into another format

filter

a technique that changes the appearance of an image by altering shades and colors of pixels.

remix

to alter a piece of media by adding, removing or changing pieces of the original state (re-mash).

sampling

a technique for measuring the sound wave and digitally encoding sound to make a digital representation.

sampling rate

the number of samples of sound that can be taken per second to represent the sound digitally.

autotune

digitally transforming out-of-tune bits of an audio file to improve the pitch and sound quality.

frequency

the speed of the vibration which determines the pitch of sound. Measured in wave cycles that occur in one second (Hertz)

Theremin

an electronic musical instrument where tone is generated through high-frequency and the pitch is controlled by hand motions to and from the circuit.

backmasking

a technique for recording audio backward.

amplitude

the length and width of soundwaves - volume or loudness

compression algorithm

the reduction in the amount of data needed to represent an audio sample.

lossless compression

compression that has occurred with no loss of information so when decompression occurs, no data is ever lost if reverting back.

lossy compression

irreversible compression that uses a more aggressive compression ratio through approximations resulting in partial data loss.

syntax

the spelling and grammar of a programming language - the set of rules that define the combinations of symbols the computer expects.

social media

applications and websites that allow users to share content and participate in social networking that may have otherwise had socioeconomic barriers.

socioeconomic

the differences among groups based on geographical, social and economic factors.

search tools

directories and search engines on the Internet that are essential for finding information efficiently on the Web.

cloud computing

storing, accessing and processing data using remote servers over a network rather than a local server or computer.

client-server model

the client(s) are the end-user(s) and communicates with the server (a centralized computer) that services the clients.

digital divide

the gap between those who have ready access to computers and the Internet, and those who do not.

routing

the process of moving information (or packets) over a network via a device called a router.

SMTP protocol

Email communication standard developed and overseen by the Internet Engineering Task Force (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)

HTTP

Hypertext Transfer Protocol developed by the Engineering Task Force, this protocol determines how data and messages are formatted, transmitted, and responded to via the Internet.

HTTPS

HTTP with a Secured Socket Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) as a sublayer that encrypts and decrypts user data and requests for added security (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)

Internet protocol

the protocol by which data is sent from one computer to another on the Internet.

TCP/IP

standard for packets and routing (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)

SMS

Short Message Services. Text messaging that allows the user to send up to 160 characters to another device. If message is longer it may truncate, concatenate and/or split up into several individual messages.

interface

a user-friendly picture-oriented way to interact with technology, contributing to the widespread use of the Internet

protocols

a common set of rules that computers must abide by in order to connect with each other.

IP address

a unique numeric identification for each device that is connected to a computer network and uses Internet Protocol.

IPv6

Internet Protocol, Version 6 - 128-bit Internet address consisting of eight 4-character hexadecimal numbers to handle routing of many more devices.

IPv4

Internet Protocol, Version 4 - A 32-bit Internet address consisting of four numbers each between 0 through 255, separated by periods (represents 8 bits).

domain

a group of devices connected on a network using the same protocol to access and administer web pages.

domain name system (DNS)

the way that domain names are located and translated into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses.

packet switching

digital data is sent by breaking the data into blocks of bits called packets, which contain both the data being transmitted and control information for routing the data.

net neutrality

the Internet is built around the notion of free and open access to information with no blocking, no throttling or paid prioritization.

encryption

the process of converting information or data into a code, especially to prevent unauthorized access.

public-key encryption

an asymmetric encryption method that uses a public key (made available publicly) and a private key (available to owner only).

certificate authorities

CA's issue digital certificates that validate ownership of encrypted keys used in secured communications and are based on a trust model.

trust model

validation of one's identity necessary for an event or transaction to occur.

open platforms

software based on open standards where there is no single ownership and is freely available through open license.

closed platforms

proprietary software where the provider has control over the application and content and can restrict access

cybersecurity

measures taken to protect a computer or computer system against unauthorized access or attack

confidentiality

the ability to limit access to information to a certain set of users.

integrity

the certainty that information is accurate

availability

the reliability of access to information

firewall

part of a computer system or network that is designed to block unauthorized access while permitting outward communication.

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser, typically indicated with padlock icon in the address bar.

DDoS Attack

Distributed Denial of Service - an attempt to make an online service unavailable by overwhelming it with traffic from multiple sources.

viruses

code that is capable of copying itself and corrupting a system or destroying data.

social engineering

the psychological manipulation of people into performing actions or divulging confidential information

malware

software that is intended to damage or disable computers and computer systems.

phishing

obtaining confidential information by masquerading as an "official" person, site, or entity. A form of social engineering

Internet

the network infrastructure composed of devices (or nodes) that communicate via protocols

World Wide Web

a network of online content formatted in html and accessed via HTTP (WWW)

Tim Berners-Lee

created the set of fundamental tools and technologies that make up the World Wide Web.

hyperlinks

clickable bits of text, images or other screen elements within an HTML document that a user can select to request another document or web location.

distributed computing

computers that interact with each other in order to achieve a common goal.

botnets

a network of private computers infected with a malicious software and controlled as a group without the owners knowing.

bitcoin mining

the processing of transactions in the digital currency system, in which the records of current Bitcoin transactions, known as a blocks, are added to the record of past transactions, known as the blockchain.

Internet of Things

the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and connectivity which enables these objects to connect and exchange data.

autonomous technology

technology that can function without being told what to do - i.e. Robots.

computing innovation

a new method or idea utilizing computing that has meaningful impact on society, economy, culture or environment.

crowdfunding

entrepreneurs using online access to customers as a means of funding their project.

network

connection of devices and networks to communicate using addresses and protocols.

sensor networks

autonomous sensors that measure environmental conditions such as light, temperature and sound which facilitate new ways of interacting with the environment and with physical systems.

Application Program Interfaces (APIs)/Libraries

a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software applications which simplify complex programming tasks

hierarchy

an arrangement of elements in a ranking of superiority. the Internet and systems are built from the top (root) down.

metadata

descriptive data about an image, a web page, or other complex objects (data about data)

bandwidth

a measure of bit rate of a system or data (measured in bits) that can be sent in a fixed amount of time over a system.

latency

the time elapsed between the transmission and the receipt of a request in a system.

open standard

a standard where documentation and specifications are open to the public.

closed standard

a standard where documentation and specifications are not available to the public.

open source

publicly available information that is free to use, distribute, modify, and study.

closed source

privately owned information that is proprietary.

symmetric key system

an encryption method where each pair of users share a secret key

asymmetric key system

an encryption method that uses different keys to encrypt and decrypt