AP Computer

General Terms

• Algorithm: A set of step-by-step instructions to complete a task or solve a problem.

• Abstraction: Simplifying complex systems by hiding unnecessary details to focus on main ideas.

• Data abstraction: Representing data in simplified forms to manage complexity, such as using variables or lists.

• Bit: The smallest unit of data in a computer, representing a 0 or 1.

• Byte: A group of 8 bits.

• Binary: A number system using only 0s and 1s.

• Code statement: A single instruction in a program.

• Sequential statement: A statement that runs one after another in order.

• Logic error: A mistake in a program’s logic that causes incorrect output but no crash.

• Syntax error: A mistake in the code that violates the programming language rules; it prevents the program from running.

• Runtime error: An error that occurs while the program is running, such as dividing by zero.

• Overflow error: When a value is too large for the computer to handle.

• Runoff error: Not commonly used—possibly a confusion with round-off error (loss of precision with decimal values).

• Underflow error: When a value is too small to be represented accurately.

• Lossless compression: Data compression that allows original data to be perfectly reconstructed.

• Lossy compression: Compression that removes some data to reduce file size, resulting in possible loss of quality.

Unit 2 – The Internet

• Creative Commons public copyright: A license that allows creators to share their work with some usage rights reserved.

• Open source: Software whose source code is available to the public to use, modify, and share.

• Internet protocol (IP): Rules for addressing and sending data over the internet.

• URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The address of a web page (e.g., https://example.com).

• Data stream: Continuous flow of data, often in real-time (like video or audio).

• Scalability: The ability of a system to grow and manage increased demand.

• Domain Name System (DNS): Converts domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses.

• World Wide Web: A system of linked documents and media connected by hyperlinks on the internet.

• HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): A protocol used for transferring web pages.

• Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a given time.

• Digital divide: The gap between those with and without access to technology and the internet.

• Net Neutrality: The principle that internet service providers should treat all data equally.

• Computing device: A machine that can run programs (like smartphones, laptops).

• Computing system: A group of computing devices and programs working together.

• Computing network: A group of interconnected devices that communicate.

• Path: The route data takes through a network.

• Protocol: A set of rules for how data is formatted and transmitted.

• Internet: A global network of interconnected computers.

• Fault-tolerance: The ability of a system to keep operating even when parts fail.

• Redundancy: Having extra components so the system can still function if one fails.

• Router: A device that directs data on a network.

• Link layer: The network layer that manages physical connections between devices.

Unit 3 – Programming

• Expression: A combination of variables, values, and operators that evaluates to a result.

• Variable: A named location in memory used to store data.

• Assignment operator: The symbol (=) used to assign a value to a variable.

• Increment: Increasing a variable’s value (e.g., x = x + 1).

• Variable type: The kind of data a variable holds (e.g., integer, string).

• Assignment: Giving a variable a value.

• Statement: A line of code that performs an action.

• Operators: Symbols that perform operations on values (e.g., +, -, ==).

• Interaction: How users or programs communicate with each other or with a system.

• Pseudocode: Simplified code-like language used to plan algorithms.

• Debug: The process of identifying and fixing errors in code.

• High-level programming language: A language like Python or JavaScript that is easy for humans to read and write.

• Natural language: Human language (like English) used in everyday communication.

• Machine language: Binary code understood directly by a computer.

• Compiler: A program that converts high-level code into machine code.

• Modular math: Math where numbers "wrap around" after reaching a certain value (used in cryptography).

• Random number: A number chosen unpredictably within a defined range.

• Order of operations: Rules that define the sequence in which operations are carried out (PEMDAS).

• Iteration: Repeating a process or set of instructions.

• Boolean operators: Logical operators like AND, OR, NOT used in decision-making.

• Predictable function: A function that produces the same output for the same input.

• Procedure: A set of instructions packaged as a unit (like a function).

• Parameter: Input given to a procedure.

• Nested iteration: A loop inside another loop.

• Conditional statement: Executes code only if a condition is true (if-else).

• Selection: Choosing between options in code (usually through conditionals).

• Relational operator: Compares two values (e.g., <, >, ==).

• Procedural abstraction: Using procedures to hide complex code details.

• Flowchart: A diagram showing steps in a process or program logic.

• Simulation: A model that imitates a real-world process.

Unit 4 – Data

• Crowdsourcing: Gathering input or data from a large number of people, often via the internet.

• Citizen science: Public participation in scientific research.

• Big data: Extremely large sets of data that require special tools to analyze.

• Open data: Data that is freely available for anyone to use.

• Global variable: A variable accessible from any part of a program.

• Abstract Data Type (ADT): A model for data structures (like lists, stacks, queues) without specifying implementation.

• Append: To add an element to the end of a list.

• Algorithm efficiency: A measure of how well an algorithm performs in terms of time and space.

• Heuristic: A rule-of-thumb approach for solving problems faster when exact methods are too slow.

• Linear search: Checking each item in a list one by one to find a value.

• Binary search: Searching a sorted list by repeatedly dividing it in half.

Unit 5 – Data Analysis

• Metadata: Data about data (e.g., file size, date created).

• Correlation: A relationship between two variables, but not necessarily causal.

• Causation: When one event directly causes another.

• Cleaning data: Fixing or removing incorrect, corrupted, or duplicate data.

• Data filtering: Selecting specific data that meets certain criteria.

• Parallel computing: Tasks are split across multiple processors to be completed at the same time.

• Sequential computing: Tasks are completed one after the other.

• Distributed computing: Computing is done on multiple devices working together.

Unit 6 – Impact of Computing

• Computing innovation: A new development in technology that affects people or society.

• Phishing: Fraudulently trying to get personal info by pretending to be a trustworthy entity.

• Keylogging: Recording keystrokes to steal information like passwords.

• Malware: Malicious software intended to damage or exploit systems.

• Rogue Access Point: A fake Wi-Fi connection set up to steal data.

• Multi-factor authentication: Security that requires multiple methods to verify identity.

• Simulation: Imitating a real-world process with a computer model to study behavior or test outcomes.