2.2 - programming fundamentals Flashcards
Variable
A named value in which data can be stored by a computer program. The data can be changed as the program runs.
Constant
A named value which is accessed by a computer program but is fixed and cannot be changed.
Operator
Operators compare or modify values in computer code. Examples include + and NOT
Assignment
The process of placing a value in to a variable.
Sequence
Following through a set of steps in a particular order.
Selection
Taking different paths through the code depending on a condition.
Iteration
repeating a set of steps several times
Count controlled loop
Using a counter to loop through one or more lines of code until they have been run a certain number of times.
Condition controlled loop
Using a loop to repeat one or more lines of code until a certain condition is met.
arithmetic operator
An operator which uses maths to modify numbers such as +
Boolean operator
An operator which uses a logical criteria to compare two values such as < or AND
Integer
A whole number without a decimal point or fraction. E.g. 1, 100 or 88122
Real
A number which may include a decimal point such as 11.2
Boolean
A value which can be only TRUE or FALSE.
Character
A single symbol, for example a letter, number or punctuation mark.
string
A number of characters together, usually to form a word or sentence.
casting
The process of converting a value from one data type to another data type
String manipulation
A broad term for a number of ways to change or modify strings.
Concatenation
The process of joining two or more strings together
slicing
The process of splitting a string into two or more parts
file handling
Ways in which computer code can interact with files on the computer’s disk, such as opening them or writing data to them.
record
A single row or related information in a database table
table
A group of records and fields stored together in a database.
Field
A part of a record in the database which stores specific information such as a name or address.
SQL
Structured Query Language. A programming language designed to be used with databases.
array
A set of data items stored together with a single name and accessed by a
program.
sub program
A smaller part of the program which performs a specific task.
function
A sub program which performs a specific tasks and always returns a specific value when run.
procedure
A sub program which performs a specific task but does not always return
a value.
Random number
A number generate by computer at random.
