APCSP Vocab

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1. The Internet & Networking

• Internet: A global network of interconnected computers that communicate using standardized protocols.

• IP Address: A unique identifier for a device on the Internet.

• IPv4/IPv6: Versions of IP addressing (IPv4 is 32-bit; IPv6 is 128-bit).

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

• TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Ensures reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data.

• UDP (User Datagram Protocol): Sends data faster but without error checking (used in live streaming, gaming).

• HTTP/HTTPS: Protocols used for accessing websites (HTTPS is secure).

• Packets: Small chunks of data sent across networks.

• Redundancy: Having multiple pathways to increase reliability.

• Fault Tolerance: Ability of a system to continue working even if parts fail.

• Bandwidth: Maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network.

• Latency: Delay in transmitting data over a network.

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2. Programming & Algorithms

• Algorithm: A finite set of steps for solving a problem.

• Sequencing: The specific order in which instructions are executed.

• Selection: Using if statements to make decisions.

• Iteration: Repeating steps using loops (for, while).

• Boolean: A data type with only two values: true or false.

• Variable: A name used to store data.

• List (or Array): An ordered collection of elements.

• Procedure (Function): A named set of instructions that performs a specific task.

• Parameter: Input to a procedure or function.

• Return Value: The result produced by a function.

• Modularity: Designing a system divided into separate components.

• Abstraction: Hiding complexity by using simple representations.

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3. Data & Information

• Binary: Base-2 number system used in computers (0s and 1s).

• Bit: Smallest unit of data in computing.

• Byte: 8 bits.

• Overflow Error: When a calculation exceeds the maximum value a system can represent.

• Round-off Error: Error caused by imprecise representation of real numbers.

• Lossless Compression: Reduces file size without losing data (e.g., PNG).

• Lossy Compression: Reduces file size by removing some data (e.g., JPEG).

• Metadata: Data about data (e.g., image dimensions, author).

• Encryption: Scrambling data to protect it.

• Decryption: Unscrambling encrypted data.

• Public Key Encryption: Uses one public key to encrypt, and a private key to decrypt.

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4. Cybersecurity

• Phishing: Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information.

• Malware: Malicious software (viruses, worms, spyware).

• Firewall: Security system that monitors and controls network traffic.

• Authentication: Verifying identity (e.g., passwords, biometrics).

• Symmetric Encryption: Uses the same key to encrypt and decrypt.

• Asymmetric Encryption: Uses a public and private key pair.

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5. Programming Structures & Data Abstractions

• Debugging: Finding and fixing errors in code.

• Syntax Error: Mistake in the structure of code.

• Logic Error: Code runs, but the result is incorrect.

• Simulations: Programs that mimic real-world processes.

• Events: Actions like mouse clicks or keystrokes that trigger code.

• Event-driven programming: Code that runs in response to events.

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6. Impact of Computing

• Digital Divide: The gap between those with and without access to computing.

• Crowdsourcing: Using contributions from a large group of people online.

• Citizen Science: Public participation in scientific research using technology.

• Open Source: Software with publicly available source code.

• Intellectual Property: Creations of the mind that are legally protected.

• Creative Commons: Licensing that allows creators to share their work under specific conditions.

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7. AP CSP Create Performance Task (PT) Vocab

• Input: Data entered into a program (e.g., user clicks, keyboard).

• Output: Data sent from a program to the user (e.g., images, text).

• Program Purpose: The intended goal or function of the program.

• Data Abstraction: Using data structures (like lists) to manage complexity.

• Procedural Abstraction: Using functions to reduce complexity.

• Algorithm Implementation: Writing code that uses sequencing, selection, and iteration.

• Testing: Checking the program for expected behavior and errors.