programming vocab Flashcards
2D array
A static data structure that holds data both horizontally and vertically. The structure is fixed and each element has the same data type.
2D list
A dynamic data structure that holds data both horizontally and vertically. The structure can change during program execution and the data types of the elements can be different.
Algorithm
A series of instructions that end when the problem is solved.
Append
Adding to an existing data structure.
Argument
The values held in the brackets of a subroutine call. These are passed into a subroutine via the parameters.
Arithmetic expression
An expression that results in a numeric value.
Array
A fixed (static) data structure that holds items of the same data type under one name.
ASCII
Acronym for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. It is used to represent characters with a numerical value.
Assembler
An assembler translates assembly language into machine code.
Assembly language
A language that replaces machine code with mnemonics and operands to make them easier to read / write.
Assignment
Assigning a value to a variable.
Attribute
Properties or characteristics of an entity. E.g. player name, player score
BIDMAS
Acronym used to show the order of operations in an arithmetic expression. Brackets, Indices, Division, Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction. Add and subtract are interchangeable and should be read from left to right.
Boolean data type
A value that is either True or False.
Boolean expression
An expression that evaluates as True or False. Also known as a logical expression.
Boolean operator
An operator used in a Boolean expression. For example AND, OR and NOT. Also known as logical operators.
Boundary data
Data that should be accepted by a program. It tests the data right at the boundary of a range.
Caesar cipher
Named after Julius Caesar. A caesar cipher is one of the oldest and simplest forms of encryption that involves shifting letters of the alphabet by a defined amount to create an encrypted message.
Character
A single character of string.
Comparison operators
An operator that is used to compare one operand to another. For example, < >.
Compiler
A compiler creates an executable file for a program by translating a high level language to machine readable code.
Concatenate
When two or more strings are joined together.
Condition
Used to control the flow of execution in a program. A condition contains a logical expression.
Constant
A constant is a value that cannot be changed during the execution of a program.
Control flow
The order in which instructions are executed in a program.
CSV
Acronym for comma-separated values. It is a plaintext data file where each value is separated by a single comma.
Custom built function
A function that you have created yourself and imported into other programs that you have created.
Data file
A file that can be accessed and modified by a program.
Data pairing
In a dictionary, a data pairing is when a key (the attribute identifier) is paired with the data.
Data structure
Used to store data in an organised and accessible way.
Data validation
A check performed on data input to ensure that it can be accepted by the program without causing an error.
Database
A structured and organised method for storing data. A database holds multiple records.
Decision symbol
Used on a flowchart to represent a condition.
Declaration
Declaring a variable as a specific data type.
Decomposition
Breaking down a problem into smaller sub-problems to make the more manageable.
Dictionary
A data structure that involves creating data pairings that can be located using a key.
Element
A character in a string or an item in a sequence.
Entity
An entity is a single object, place, person or thing. E.g. player
Erroneous data
Data that should not be accepted by the program or it will cause an error.
Error messages
Used for finding errors in your program. They pinpoint lines of code that contain errors and provide details about them.
Execute
Carrying out the instructions for a computer program.
Execution
Carrying out the instructions for a computer program.
Expression
An expression is a collection of operands and operators that can be evaluated.
Field
Also known as an attribute. It is the properties or characteristics of an entity.
Final testing
Testing a program at the end of its creation.
Flowchart
A visual representation of an algorithm or program.
For loop
An iterative statement that will repeat for the length of a given sequence.
Function
A subroutine that returns a value.
Function call
A statement used to execute a function.
Global variable
A global variable can be accessed and modified from anywhere in the program.