Computer Science Terminology

Algorithm

• The set of steps to solve a problem.

• For example, the steps to sort a list of unsorted numbers from ascending to descending.

Pseudocode

• English mixed with programming code.

• You represent an algorithm with this.

• Not a programming language.

• Could be implemented in any programming language.

Program (Software)

• Instructions for a particular task written in a language like Java.

Source code

• Instructions for a particular task written in a language like Java.

• Will be saved in .java files.

Compiler errors

• Errors that occur when you violate the syntax rules of a language.

Logic errors

• Error that causes your program to produce the wrong result.

• Maybe you multiplied when you were supposed to add, etc.

Runtime errors

• Errors that occur when running your code. These errors cause a program to crash.

• Division by zero, array index out of bounds, etc.

• Also, called bugs.

CPU

• Central Processing Unit - brain of a computer.

• Executes the statements in your code.

RAM

• Random Acess Memory - program is placed into RAM when it is executed.

Bit

A binary digit - one or zero.

Bytes

8 bits

Kilobyte (KB)

1024 bytes

Megabyte (MB)

1 million bytes or 1024 KB

Gigabytes (GB)

1 billion bytes or 1024 MB

Terabytes (TB)

1 trillion bytes or 1024 GB

Petabytes (PB)

1024 TB

Hard Drive

• Persistent storage for applications, documents, etc.

• Most computers come with hard drives that are 500 GB or 1 TB in size.

Machine Language

• The language computers understand - one’s and zero’s.

• All other languages must be converted into machine language for a computer to understand it.

Low Level Languages

• A language that is a step above machine language but still hard to write code in.

High Level Languages

• A language that is easy for humans to read like Java, C++, etc.

• Uses a program called a compiler to translate high level language into machine language.

Compiler

• A program that translates high level language into machine code.

Operating System

• Software program that runs on your computer - like Windows.

• The OS manages the computers basic functions - running programs, controlling devices, etc.

API

• Application Program Interface

• Java library that contains predefined classes and interfaces for developing Java programs.

IDE

• Integrated Developement Environment

• Contains all the tools to write software - editor, compiler, etc.

• Ecliplse is an IDE.

JDK

• Java Developement Kit

• Contains tools used to run and develope Java programs.