AP Comp Sci Principles Key Terms

Abstraction
The process of reducing complexity by hiding details and showing only essential features, often using functions.

Algorithm
A precise sequence of instructions for solving a problem or performing a task.

Function (Procedure)
A named block of code designed to perform a specific task; it can be reused throughout a program.

Parameter
A variable used in a function to accept input values when the function is called.

Return Value
The output that a function sends back to the part of the program that called it.

Call (Function Call)
An instruction in a program that executes a function.

Sequence
The specific order in which program instructions are executed.

Selection
The use of conditional statements (like if or if/else) to control which code runs based on certain conditions.

Iteration
The repetition of a section of code using loops (for, while, etc.).

Loop
A control structure that repeats code while a condition is true or for a set number of times.

Boolean Expression
An expression that evaluates to true or false, used in conditions.

Variable
A named storage location that holds a value which can be changed during program execution.

List (Array)
An ordered collection of elements stored under one variable name.

Index
The position of an item in a list, usually starting from 0.

Input
Data received by a program, often from the user or another system.

Output
Data sent out by a program, such as printed text, visual display, or returned results.

Event
An action that triggers code to run, such as a mouse click or key press.

Event Handler
A block of code that responds to an event when it occurs.

Debugging
The process of finding and fixing errors in a program.

Syntax Error
A mistake in the code that breaks the rules of the programming language.

Logic Error
An error where the program runs but gives the wrong output due to incorrect reasoning in the code.

Development Process
The steps taken to design, code, test, and improve a program.

Testing
Running a program to check if it behaves as expected.

Comment
Text in code meant for human readers to explain what the code does; ignored by the computer.

Condition
An expression used to make decisions in code, usually involving comparison operators like ==, >, or <.