Computer Programming Concepts, PDLC, Pseudocode, and Flowcharts

Vocabulary flashcards covering introductory programming concepts, the program development life cycle, pseudocode keywords, and flowchart symbols and structures.

Programming

A multistep process for creating a program by giving computers instructions about what to do next.

Code

Instructions given to a computer about what to do next.

Computer Program

A list or sequence of instructions written in a programming language that tells a computer what to do.

Programming Language (PL)

A written language used to tell computers what to do, possessing its own grammar called syntax.

Syntax

The grammar rules governing a specific programming language.

Source Code

Well-written instructions or statements used to develop a program, written in a low- or high-level language that must be translated to machine language.

Programmer

A person who writes source code using a programming language to create programs.

Assembler

A language translator that converts assembly language into low-level (machine) language.

Interpreter

A language translator that translates and executes code one line or statement at a time (e.g., JavaScript, Python, Ruby).

Compiler

A language translator that translates all statements at once and provides all error messages (diagnostics) together (e.g., C, C++, Java).

Low-Level Language

A programming language tied directly to one type of computer that is often cryptic and not human-readable, such as machine language or assembly language.

High-Level Language

A programming language using English-like instructions that runs on a variety of computer types, such as Visual Basic, C, C++, or Java.

Machine Language

A low-level language using only 0s and 1s (OFF/ON switches) that is tedious to write directly.

Programming Paradigm

A style or way of programming to solve a problem using tools and techniques, as well as a approach to classify programming languages by features.

Procedural Programming

A programming paradigm where the programmer focuses step-by-step from start to finish on the tasks or functions the program performs.

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

A programming paradigm where the programmer focuses on objects (class to objects) used to accomplish the goal.

Program Development Life Cycle (PDLC)

A set of steps or phases used to develop a program in any programming language.

Requirement Analysis

The first step in PDLC involving collecting information, defining problem features, and describing what a desired system should do.

System Design

The second step in PDLC where the algorithm describing how data is processed to produce output is formulated using pseudocode or flowcharts.

Coding

The third step in PDLC consisting of actual program writing in a selected programming language while following its syntax.

Desk-checking

Manually testing the solution design to ensure it is error-free and that the logic works.

Debugging

Detecting, locating, and removing all errors in a program.

Alpha Testing

A testing phase consisting of desk-checking and debugging, followed by running real data.

Beta Testing

Testing performed by real users in a real operating environment.

Syntax Error

The most common type of error, caused by incorrect use of language statements.

Run-time Error

An error that occurs while the program is actively being executed.

Logical Error

A mistake in source code causing incorrect or unexpected behavior.

Documentation

A written detailed description of the programming cycle and facts about the program, including instructions for use and maintenance.

Maintenance

Activity to keep programs error-free, up-to-date, and in good working condition.

Algorithm

A step-by-step method or sequence of specified actions for solving a problem and processing data to produce output.

Pseudocode

Unstandardized plain-English text annotations of an algorithm, known as 'false code,' which lacks programming syntax and cannot be compiled or interpreted.

Flowchart

A pictorial representation of an ordered, step-by-step solution to a problem using standard graphic symbols.

Terminal Symbol

An oval-shaped flowchart symbol used to represent Start or End.

Input/Output Symbol

A parallelogram-shaped flowchart symbol used to represent input and output operations.

Process Symbol

A rectangle-shaped flowchart symbol used to represent actions or calculations.

Decision Symbol

A diamond-shaped flowchart symbol used for branching based on conditional decisions.

Initialization Symbol

A hexagon-shaped flowchart symbol used to set initial variable values.

On-page Connector Symbol

A circle-shaped flowchart symbol used to connect flow lines on the same page.

Sequence Structure

A flowchart structure where steps are executed one after another, in order.

Selection / Conditional Structure

A flowchart structure that branches execution based on a YES/NO (TRUE/FALSE) decision.

Loop Structure

A flowchart structure that repeats a set of steps until a condition is met.

WHILE Loop

A looping structure that checks its condition first before executing iterations.

DO-WHILE Loop

A looping structure that checks its condition last and runs at least once.

FOR Loop

A looping structure used for a fixed range of iterations.