Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Computer Science

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions relevant to the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Computer Science curriculum.

Algorithm

A precise method for solving a problem, consisting of a sequence of unambiguous instructions.

Binary

A base-2 numeral system using only two digits: 0 and 1.

Decomposition

The process of breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable parts.

Abstraction

The process of hiding unnecessary details to focus on the relevant aspects of a problem.

Data Structure

An organised collection of related elements used to store multiple data items.

Array

A data structure that contains many items of data of the same type, indexed for easy access.

Loop

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

Selection Statement

A construct in programming that allows a choice to be made between different alternatives.

Compiling

The process of converting code written in a high-level programming language into machine code.

Syntax Error

An error that occurs when the code breaks the grammatical rules of the programming language.

Logic Error

An error that occurs when the logic behind an algorithm is incorrect, producing unexpected results.

Runtime Error

An error that occurs while the program is running, indicating the operation requested cannot be executed.

User Input Validation

The process of checking that the data entered by a user meets specified requirements.

Function

A subprogram that returns a value to the main program.

Procedure

A subprogram that performs a task without returning a value.

Parameter

A variable used to pass data into a subprogram.

Global Variable

A variable that can be accessed from anywhere in the program.

Local Variable

A variable that can only be accessed within the subprogram where it was defined.

Concatenation

The process of joining two or more strings or data items together.

Testing Plan

A document listing the tests to be carried out to ensure a program meets its requirements.

Trace Table

A tool used to track the values of variables during the execution of an algorithm.

Error Handling

The process of responding to the occurrence of an error in a program.