Codio Unit 1 Vocab

strong password

A password that is easy for a user to remember but would be difficult to guess based on knowledge given about that user.

algorithm

A finite set of instructions that accomplishes a specific task. Every algorithm can be constructed using combinations of sequencing, selection, and iteration.

abstraction

The process of reducing complexity by focusing on the main idea of the problem.

sequencing

The application of each step of an algorithm in the order in which the code statements are given

selection

The determination of the parts of an algorithm that are executed based on a condition being true or false.

iteration

A repeating portion of an algorithm that executes for a specified number of times or until a given condition is met.

encryption

The process of encoding data to prevent unauthorized access.

decryption

The process of decoding encrypted data.

programming language

Algorithms executed by programs that are implemented by using programming languages.

problem

A general description of a task that cannot be solved algorithmically

instance of a problem

A specific task that needs to be solved with a specific input

decision problem

A problem with a yes/no answer.

optimization problem

A problem with the goal of finding the “best” solution among many.

decidable problem

a decision problem for which an algorithm can be written to produce a correct output for all inputs.

undecidable problem

A problem in which no algorithm can be constructed that always leads to a correct yes-or-no answer.

scalability

The capacity for a system to change in size and scale to meet new demands.

efficiency

An estimation of the amount of computational resources used by an algorithm.

linear or sequential search

Algorithms that check each element in a list, in order, until the desired value is found or all elements in the list have been checked.

binary search

starts at the middle of a sorted data set of numbers and eliminates half of the data; this process repeats until the desired value is found or all elements have been eliminated.

heuristic

an approach to a problem that produces a solution that is not guaranteed to be optimal but may be used when techniques that are guaranteed to always find an optimal solution are impractical.

algorithmic bias

When a computing innovation systematically discriminates against certain individuals or groups and creates unfair outcomes for some and favorable outcomes for others.