Computer Science 2&3

Code

Strings of commands that tell the computer how to respond to inputs and produce outputs.

Block-based Programming Language

Programmers can create code using blocks rather than text.

Abstraction

Hides the complexity by concealing the details making it easier for programmers to focus on the important steps in the creative process.

Syntax

Rules that define the combination of symbols that are considered structures in text-based languages including grammar.

User Story

Individual features that make up the whole solution or the app.

User Centered

Apps designed around the people using the software.

User Interface

Sends messages to the operating system to indicate what to do next.

Variable

Reference to a memory location that stores some value during the execution of the program.

Argument

The variable or value that the program provides to function.

Data Types

Defines what kind of operation can be performed when using the program.

Conditionals

Written in a while or if statement to help the app know what to do next.

Boolean expression

Express with a return value of true or false. Found in a while or if statement.

Pseudocode

A way to work out logic without worrying about the written computer language.

Procedure

A named group of instructions that have parameters and return a value.

Backlog

Prioritized list that outlines what needs to be done to create the app the user wants.

Global variable

Stored data that can be used by any part of program.

Local variable

Stored data that can only be used within small scopes of the project. Can not be used by any other part of the program.

Scope

Description of the parts of program that has particular variables that can be accessed and modified.

Decrementing

To decrease a number usually by 1.

Logical operators

Representation of a logical statement to exam a relationship between 2 values usually using the AND OR NOT operator.

Iteration

Repeating portion of an algorithm.

Loops

An algorithm that is repeated several times. Controlled by a condition.

Method

Named instructions that perform a specific task & is associated with an object that performs an action.

Function

Block of organized and reusable code that performs a single action.

Parameter

Special kind of variable defined in a function to receive specific information.

Imports

Statement that includes code from a module or library for use in development of a new program.

Operators

Symbol in code that tells the computer to perform a specific math operation (add, subtract, multiply, or divide).

Broadcast

Command used to trigger/start an event or procedure in a program.

Debug

Process that identifies errors/bugs in computer programs and fixes them.

Nesting

Putting a function inside another function or a loop inside another loop.

Machine vision

Technology and processes that are used to make image-based decisions in code.

Color Signature

Range of color values that are considered by a vision system to belong to a same color.

Color code

Combination of color signature in a set order, recognized by a computer vision system.