Basics of Programming Flashcards
Logic and Design
Ascending order
describes the arrangement of data items from lowest value to highest.
Backup file
a copy of a file that is kept in case altered values need to be restored to their original state.
Batch processing
a data handling technique that performs the same tasks with many records in sequence.
Binary file
a file that contains data that has not been encoded as text.
Byte
a storage measurement equal to eight bits.
Characters
letters, numbers, or special symbols such as A, 7, or $.
Child file
a copy of a file after revision.
Closing a file
an action that makes a file no longer available to an applications.
Computer file
a collection of data stored on a nonvolatile device in a computer system.
Control break
a temporary detour in the logic of a program for special group processing.
Control break field
a variable that holds the value that signals a special processing break in a program.
Control break program
a program in which a change in the value of a variable initiates special actions or processing.
Control break report
a report that lists items in groups. Frequently, each group is followed by a subtotal.
Data hierarchy
represents the relationship between databases, files, records, fields, and characters.
Database
a logical container that holds related data that can easily be retrieved to serve the information needs of an organization.
Default input and output devices
hardware devices that do not require opening; usually they are the keyboard and monitor respectively.
Delimiter
a character, such as a comma, used to separate fields in a data file.
Direct access files
random access files
Directories
organization units on storage devices that can contain multiple files as well as additional directories.
Fields
single data items that represent a single attribute of a record or class, such as lastName, streetAddress, or annualSalary.
File’s path
the combination of the disk drive plus the complete hierarchy of directories in which a file resides.
Filename
an identifying name given to a computer file that frequently describes the contents.
Filename extension
a group of characters added to the end of a filename that indicates the file type.
Instant access files
random access files in which records can be accessed immediately.
Interactive program
a program in which a user makes direct requests or provides input while a program executes.
Merging files
the act of combining two or more sequentially ordered files while maintaining the order.
Opening a file
the process of locating a file on a storage device, physically preparing it for reading, and associating it with an identifier inside a program.
Parent file
a copy of a file before revision.
Primary file
a file that holds relatively permanent data.
Random access files
files that contain records that can be accessed directly.
Reading from a file
the act of copying data from a file on a storage device into computer memory.
Real-time applications
describe applications that require a record to be accessed immediately while a client is waiting.
Records
groups of data fields that go together for some logical reason.
Sequential files
files in which records are stored one after another in some order and whose records must be accessed in sequence.
Single-level control break
a break in the logic of a program based on the value of a single variable.
Sorting
the process of placing records in order by the value in a specific field or fields.
Text file
a file that contains data that can be read in a text editor.
Transaction file
a file that holds temporary data used to update a primary file.
Update a primary file
apply transaction to a primary file making it current
Writing to a file
the act of copying data from computer memory into persistent storage.
