AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
Here are the updated definitions for AP Computer Science up to Unit 5.5:
Unit 1: Introduction to Programming
1. Function: Simplifies code by breaking it into smaller, reusable pieces.
2. Call a Function: Executes a predefined function.
3. Define a Function: Specifies the function's name and body (the code it executes).
4. Snake Case: Uses lowercase letters and underscores for naming (e.g., my_function).
5. Decomposition: Breaks code into smaller, manageable parts.
6. Top-Down Design: Splits a complex problem into smaller, independently solvable parts.
7. Precondition: A required condition for a function to execute.
8. Postcondition: A condition that must be true after a function executes.
9. Comment: Explains the purpose of code or functions for better understanding.
10. Procedural Abstraction: Describes program steps without detailing how they work.
11. Documentation: Guides others on how to use code or functions.
12. For Loops with Karel: Automates repetitive actions by specifying the number of repetitions.
13. Condition: A true/false statement that determines code execution.
14. If Statements with Karel: Executes code if a condition is true.
15. If-Else Statement: Executes one block of code if true; another block if false.
16. While Loops with Karel: Repeats code while a condition is true.
17. Control Structure: Directs program flow (e.g., if-else or loops).
18. Bug: Errors in code—syntax, runtime, or logic.
19. Debugging: Process of finding and fixing errors.
20. Rubber Duck Debugging: Explaining code aloud to identify issues.
21. Pseudocode: Simplified description of an algorithm using plain language.
22. Algorithm: A sequence of steps to solve a problem.
23. Sequencing: Ordered execution of instructions.
24. Selection: Chooses a path based on conditions (e.g., if-else).
25. Iteration: Repeats actions (e.g., loops).
Unit 3: Programming with Python
1. Variable: Stores data for use in the program.
2. Input Function: Accepts user input as a string.
3. String Concatenation: Combines strings into one.
4. Operators: Perform mathematical or logical operations (e.g., +, -, *, /).
5. Modulus (Mod): Finds the remainder of a division.
6. Order of Operations: Follows PEMDAS for solving equations.
Unit 4: Python Control Structures
1. Boolean: Represents true or false values.
2. Logical Operators: Combine conditions (and, or, not).
3. If Statements: Executes code if a condition is true.
4. If-Else Statements: Executes different code blocks based on condition truth.
5. Elif: Used for additional conditions if the first is false.
6. While Loops: Repeats actions while a condition is true.
7. Break: Ends a loop prematurely.
8. Continue: Skips the current iteration and moves to the next.
Unit 5: Functions and Parameters
1. Functions with Parameters: Accept input values for processing.
2. Functions with Return Values: Outputs a result to use elsewhere in the program.
3. Functions Calling Functions: Uses one function within another.