Programming Key Terms

Question 1

Algorithm

Answer 1

A list of rules to follow in order to solve a problem

Question 2

Arithmetic Operators

Answer 2

Used in calculations such as +*/-

Question 3

Assignment

Answer 3

When you assign some data to a variable or constant using the = sign

Question 4

Condition

Answer 4

Features of a selection or iteration statement, which is usually some kind of question with a true or false answer

Question 5

Constant

Answer 5

Refers to a fixed value. The value is set when the program is written and cannot change whilst the program is running

Question 6

Data type

Answer 6

Different types of things that can be assigned to variables e.g. float, integer, Boolean

Question 7

Debug

Answer 7

Identifying and getting rid of errors within the program

Question 8

Debugger

Answer 8

A computer program that helps to identify and get rid of errors within the program

Question 9

IDE

Answer 9

Integrated development environment-software which enables you to enter, edit, compile and run your programs

Question 10

Identifier

Answer 10

The name given to identify structures such as variables, functions and arrays

Question 11

Iteration

Answer 11

When a set of instructions are repeated in a sequence a specified number of times or until the condition is met. A while loop or a for loop or examples.

Question 12

Logic error

Answer 12

When your compiles and runs, but does the wrong thing. This is a human error e.g. 2+2=5. The program will still run but not output what you wanted.

Question 13

Operators

Answer 13

A symbol which helps the user to command the computer to do a certain mathematical or logical manipulation.

Question 14

Psuedocode

Answer 14

A program that roughly resembles a programming language which includes some common English terminology

Question 15

Variable

Answer 15

A name used to refer to a particular memory location that is used to store data. The value stored in the memory location can be changed while the program is running

Question 16

Relational operators

Answer 16

Used to compare two values. Operators include: =, , <=, >=, ==

Question 17

Runtime error

Answer 17

Like a syntax error but the program is capable to start but finds a problem halfway through such as a misspelt variable name.

Question 18

Selection

Answer 18

Uses a Boolean condition to determine, or select, whether or not to run a certain block of statements. An IF statement is an example.

Question 19

Sequence

Answer 19

When two or more statements are executed one after the other

Question 20

Syntax error

Answer 20

Where the compiler find something wrong with your program, and you can run it. For example, you may have incorrect indention, a missing bracket or may be trying to use a variable that hasn’t been declared