Coding Vocabulary
algorithm
A list of steps to finish a task. A set of instructions that can be performed with or without a computer. For example, the collection of steps to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is an algorithm.
argument
Another term for parameter
arithmetic operator
Operators used to construct expressions. Ex. +, -, *, /, and %.
binary
A way of representing information using only two options. Usually represented as 0’s and 1’s
binary search
A search that works by dividing a list of presorted numbers (or other sortable items) in half over and over until it finds the target or lack of target.
In general, it works by finding the middle of the presorted list and determining if the target is the middle value, greater than the middle value, or less than the middle value. If the target is greater or less than the middle value, the algorithm throws out the other half of the list and repeats on the half where the target might be found.
block-based programming language
Any programming language that lets users create programs by manipulating “blocks” or graphical programing elements, rather than writing code using text. Examples include Code Studio, Scratch, Blockly, and Swift. (Sometimes called visual coding, drag and drop programming, or graphical programming blocks)
Boolean
A data type that has two possible values: “true” and “false”.
bubble sort
An algorithm that sorts a list by repeatedly comparing a data value to its neighbors and swapping the values if they are in the wrong order. The value will “Bubble” towards its position in the list.
Link to Image.
bug
An error in a program that prevents the program from running as expected.
character (char)
A datatype that is a single character which can be a letter, number, or symbol.
code
One or more commands or algorithm(s) designed to be carried out by a computer. The actual created text or blocks of the program.
command
An instruction for the computer. Many commands put together make up algorithms and computer programs.
comment
Information in a program that is meant for other programmers (or anyone reading the source code) and has no effect on the execution of the program.
computational thinking
Mental processes and strategies that include: decomposition, pattern matching, abstraction, algorithms (decomposing problems into smaller, more manageable problems, finding repeating patterns, abstracting specific differences to make one solution work for multiple problems, and creating step-by-step algorithms).
computer program
A collection of instructions (algorithms) that performs a specific task when executed by a computer.
computer science
The study of using the power of computers to solve problems. It is not the study of computers.
conditional statement
A statement that controls the flow of execution depending on some condition. (ex. if, if-else, or else if)
data
Information that can be collected. Often, quantities, characters, or symbols that are the inputs and outputs of computer programs.
data type
The particular kind of data item. Tells how the program intends to use the data. Some examples are integers, floats, Booleans, characters, and strings.
debugging
Finding and fixing errors in programs.
decompose
Break a problem down into smaller pieces.
event
An action that causes something to happen.
expression
The combination of one or more values, constants, variables, operators or functions.
function
Sometimes called a method. A named sequence of statements that performs some useful operation. Functions may or may not take parameters and may or may not produce a result.
input
Data to be entered into a computer for processing (commands or info that you type in).
insertion sort
An algorithm that sorts a list by taking an unsorted item in a list and inserting it in its “best” position. This process is repeated until all items in list have been sorted.
Link to Image
integer
A data type that represents a positive or negative whole number. (ex. -1, 1, 2, 9, 0)
iteration
A repetitive action or command typically created with programming loops.
linear search
A method for finding a target value within a list. It sequentially checks each element of the list for the target value until a match is found or until all the elements have been searched.
logical operator
A symbol or word used to connect two or more conditions in a computer program. (ex. and, or, and not)
loop
The construct that allows the repeated execution of segment of code until a terminating condition has been satisfied.
number
A generic data type that represents numerical values. (ex. Integers, floats, and doubles)
output
Anything that comes out of a computer. (ex. Display to monitor, sound, printing, etc.)
parameter
A name used inside a function to refer to the value which was passed to it as an argument.
problem solving
A process of finding solutions to difficult or complex problems.
programming
The process of creating a computer program.
programming language
A high level language that has a unique set of keywords and a special syntax for organizing program instructions. (ex. Python, Coffeescript, Java, JavaScript, C++, etc..)
Pseudocode
A detailed, yet readable, description of what a computer program or algorithm must do, expressed in languages that humans use naturally rather than in a programming language.
relational operator
A symbol (<, <=, >, >=, and ==) used to compares two entities. The comparison generally evaluates to a True or False. For example, 5 < 2 evaluates to False. Relational operators are commonly found in conditional statements in a computer program.
selection sort
An algorithm that sorts a list by starting in the first position of the list and selecting the best value (ex. smallest) for that position. It repeats this process for each additional position in the list until the list is sorted.
Link to Image
String
Any finite sequence of characters (i.e., letters, numerals, symbols and punctuation marks).
syntax
The set of rules that defines the combinations of symbols that are considered to be a correctly structured document or fragment in that language.
text-based programming language
A programming language that requires the programmer to actually write text to code. Ex. “move up” or “move down” (upper end of coding)
value
A number or string that can be stored in a variable or computed in an expression.
variable
A name that refers to a value. Stores a piece of data, and gives it a specific name.
algorithm
A list of steps to finish a task. A set of instructions that can be performed with or without a computer. For example, the collection of steps to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is an algorithm.
argument
Another term for parameter
arithmetic operator
Operators used to construct expressions. Ex. +, -, *, /, and %.
binary
A way of representing information using only two options. Usually represented as 0’s and 1’s
binary search
A search that works by dividing a list of presorted numbers (or other sortable items) in half over and over until it finds the target or lack of target.
In general, it works by finding the middle of the presorted list and determining if the target is the middle value, greater than the middle value, or less than the middle value. If the target is greater or less than the middle value, the algorithm throws out the other half of the list and repeats on the half where the target might be found.
block-based programming language
Any programming language that lets users create programs by manipulating “blocks” or graphical programing elements, rather than writing code using text. Examples include Code Studio, Scratch, Blockly, and Swift. (Sometimes called visual coding, drag and drop programming, or graphical programming blocks)
Boolean
A data type that has two possible values: “true” and “false”.
bubble sort
An algorithm that sorts a list by repeatedly comparing a data value to its neighbors and swapping the values if they are in the wrong order. The value will “Bubble” towards its position in the list.
Link to Image.
bug
An error in a program that prevents the program from running as expected.
character (char)
A datatype that is a single character which can be a letter, number, or symbol.
code
One or more commands or algorithm(s) designed to be carried out by a computer. The actual created text or blocks of the program.
command
An instruction for the computer. Many commands put together make up algorithms and computer programs.
comment
Information in a program that is meant for other programmers (or anyone reading the source code) and has no effect on the execution of the program.
computational thinking
Mental processes and strategies that include: decomposition, pattern matching, abstraction, algorithms (decomposing problems into smaller, more manageable problems, finding repeating patterns, abstracting specific differences to make one solution work for multiple problems, and creating step-by-step algorithms).
computer program
A collection of instructions (algorithms) that performs a specific task when executed by a computer.
computer science
The study of using the power of computers to solve problems. It is not the study of computers.
conditional statement
A statement that controls the flow of execution depending on some condition. (ex. if, if-else, or else if)
data
Information that can be collected. Often, quantities, characters, or symbols that are the inputs and outputs of computer programs.
data type
The particular kind of data item. Tells how the program intends to use the data. Some examples are integers, floats, Booleans, characters, and strings.
debugging
Finding and fixing errors in programs.
decompose
Break a problem down into smaller pieces.
event
An action that causes something to happen.
expression
The combination of one or more values, constants, variables, operators or functions.
function
Sometimes called a method. A named sequence of statements that performs some useful operation. Functions may or may not take parameters and may or may not produce a result.
input
Data to be entered into a computer for processing (commands or info that you type in).
insertion sort
An algorithm that sorts a list by taking an unsorted item in a list and inserting it in its “best” position. This process is repeated until all items in list have been sorted.
Link to Image
integer
A data type that represents a positive or negative whole number. (ex. -1, 1, 2, 9, 0)
iteration
A repetitive action or command typically created with programming loops.
linear search
A method for finding a target value within a list. It sequentially checks each element of the list for the target value until a match is found or until all the elements have been searched.
logical operator
A symbol or word used to connect two or more conditions in a computer program. (ex. and, or, and not)
loop
The construct that allows the repeated execution of segment of code until a terminating condition has been satisfied.
number
A generic data type that represents numerical values. (ex. Integers, floats, and doubles)
output
Anything that comes out of a computer. (ex. Display to monitor, sound, printing, etc.)
parameter
A name used inside a function to refer to the value which was passed to it as an argument.
problem solving
A process of finding solutions to difficult or complex problems.
programming
The process of creating a computer program.
programming language
A high level language that has a unique set of keywords and a special syntax for organizing program instructions. (ex. Python, Coffeescript, Java, JavaScript, C++, etc..)
Pseudocode
A detailed, yet readable, description of what a computer program or algorithm must do, expressed in languages that humans use naturally rather than in a programming language.
relational operator
A symbol (<, <=, >, >=, and ==) used to compares two entities. The comparison generally evaluates to a True or False. For example, 5 < 2 evaluates to False. Relational operators are commonly found in conditional statements in a computer program.
selection sort
An algorithm that sorts a list by starting in the first position of the list and selecting the best value (ex. smallest) for that position. It repeats this process for each additional position in the list until the list is sorted.
Link to Image
String
Any finite sequence of characters (i.e., letters, numerals, symbols and punctuation marks).
syntax
The set of rules that defines the combinations of symbols that are considered to be a correctly structured document or fragment in that language.
text-based programming language
A programming language that requires the programmer to actually write text to code. Ex. “move up” or “move down” (upper end of coding)
value
A number or string that can be stored in a variable or computed in an expression.
variable
A name that refers to a value. Stores a piece of data, and gives it a specific name.
algorithm
A list of steps to finish a task. A set of instructions that can be performed with or without a computer. For example, the collection of steps to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is an algorithm.
argument
Another term for parameter
arithmetic operator
Operators used to construct expressions. Ex. +, -, *, /, and %.
binary
A way of representing information using only two options. Usually represented as 0’s and 1’s
binary search
A search that works by dividing a list of presorted numbers (or other sortable items) in half over and over until it finds the target or lack of target.
In general, it works by finding the middle of the presorted list and determining if the target is the middle value, greater than the middle value, or less than the middle value. If the target is greater or less than the middle value, the algorithm throws out the other half of the list and repeats on the half where the target might be found.
block-based programming language
Any programming language that lets users create programs by manipulating “blocks” or graphical programing elements, rather than writing code using text. Examples include Code Studio, Scratch, Blockly, and Swift. (Sometimes called visual coding, drag and drop programming, or graphical programming blocks)
Boolean
A data type that has two possible values: “true” and “false”.
bubble sort
An algorithm that sorts a list by repeatedly comparing a data value to its neighbors and swapping the values if they are in the wrong order. The value will “Bubble” towards its position in the list.
Link to Image.
bug
An error in a program that prevents the program from running as expected.
character (char)
A datatype that is a single character which can be a letter, number, or symbol.
code
One or more commands or algorithm(s) designed to be carried out by a computer. The actual created text or blocks of the program.
command
An instruction for the computer. Many commands put together make up algorithms and computer programs.
comment
Information in a program that is meant for other programmers (or anyone reading the source code) and has no effect on the execution of the program.
computational thinking
Mental processes and strategies that include: decomposition, pattern matching, abstraction, algorithms (decomposing problems into smaller, more manageable problems, finding repeating patterns, abstracting specific differences to make one solution work for multiple problems, and creating step-by-step algorithms).
computer program
A collection of instructions (algorithms) that performs a specific task when executed by a computer.
computer science
The study of using the power of computers to solve problems. It is not the study of computers.
conditional statement
A statement that controls the flow of execution depending on some condition. (ex. if, if-else, or else if)
data
Information that can be collected. Often, quantities, characters, or symbols that are the inputs and outputs of computer programs.
data type
The particular kind of data item. Tells how the program intends to use the data. Some examples are integers, floats, Booleans, characters, and strings.
debugging
Finding and fixing errors in programs.
decompose
Break a problem down into smaller pieces.
event
An action that causes something to happen.
expression
The combination of one or more values, constants, variables, operators or functions.
function
Sometimes called a method. A named sequence of statements that performs some useful operation. Functions may or may not take parameters and may or may not produce a result.
input
Data to be entered into a computer for processing (commands or info that you type in).
insertion sort
An algorithm that sorts a list by taking an unsorted item in a list and inserting it in its “best” position. This process is repeated until all items in list have been sorted.
Link to Image
integer
A data type that represents a positive or negative whole number. (ex. -1, 1, 2, 9, 0)
iteration
A repetitive action or command typically created with programming loops.
linear search
A method for finding a target value within a list. It sequentially checks each element of the list for the target value until a match is found or until all the elements have been searched.
logical operator
A symbol or word used to connect two or more conditions in a computer program. (ex. and, or, and not)
loop
The construct that allows the repeated execution of segment of code until a terminating condition has been satisfied.
number
A generic data type that represents numerical values. (ex. Integers, floats, and doubles)
output
Anything that comes out of a computer. (ex. Display to monitor, sound, printing, etc.)
parameter
A name used inside a function to refer to the value which was passed to it as an argument.
problem solving
A process of finding solutions to difficult or complex problems.
programming
The process of creating a computer program.
programming language
A high level language that has a unique set of keywords and a special syntax for organizing program instructions. (ex. Python, Coffeescript, Java, JavaScript, C++, etc..)
Pseudocode
A detailed, yet readable, description of what a computer program or algorithm must do, expressed in languages that humans use naturally rather than in a programming language.
relational operator
A symbol (<, <=, >, >=, and ==) used to compares two entities. The comparison generally evaluates to a True or False. For example, 5 < 2 evaluates to False. Relational operators are commonly found in conditional statements in a computer program.
selection sort
An algorithm that sorts a list by starting in the first position of the list and selecting the best value (ex. smallest) for that position. It repeats this process for each additional position in the list until the list is sorted.
Link to Image
String
Any finite sequence of characters (i.e., letters, numerals, symbols and punctuation marks).
syntax
The set of rules that defines the combinations of symbols that are considered to be a correctly structured document or fragment in that language.
text-based programming language
A programming language that requires the programmer to actually write text to code. Ex. “move up” or “move down” (upper end of coding)
value
A number or string that can be stored in a variable or computed in an expression.
variable
A name that refers to a value. Stores a piece of data, and gives it a specific name.
A list of steps to finish a task. A set of instructions that can be performed with or without a computer. For example, the collection of steps to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is an algorithm.
argument
Another term for parameter
arithmetic operator
Operators used to construct expressions. Ex. +, -, *, /, and %.
binary
A way of representing information using only two options. Usually represented as 0’s and 1’s
binary search
A search that works by dividing a list of presorted numbers (or other sortable items) in half over and over until it finds the target or lack of target.
In general, it works by finding the middle of the presorted list and determining if the target is the middle value, greater than the middle value, or less than the middle value. If the target is greater or less than the middle value, the algorithm throws out the other half of the list and repeats on the half where the target might be found.
block-based programming language
Any programming language that lets users create programs by manipulating “blocks” or graphical programing elements, rather than writing code using text. Examples include Code Studio, Scratch, Blockly, and Swift. (Sometimes called visual coding, drag and drop programming, or graphical programming blocks)
Boolean
A data type that has two possible values: “true” and “false”.
bubble sort
An algorithm that sorts a list by repeatedly comparing a data value to its neighbors and swapping the values if they are in the wrong order. The value will “Bubble” towards its position in the list.
Link to Image.
bug
An error in a program that prevents the program from running as expected.
character (char)
A datatype that is a single character which can be a letter, number, or symbol.
code
One or more commands or algorithm(s) designed to be carried out by a computer. The actual created text or blocks of the program.
command
An instruction for the computer. Many commands put together make up algorithms and computer programs.
comment
Information in a program that is meant for other programmers (or anyone reading the source code) and has no effect on the execution of the program.
computational thinking
Mental processes and strategies that include: decomposition, pattern matching, abstraction, algorithms (decomposing problems into smaller, more manageable problems, finding repeating patterns, abstracting specific differences to make one solution work for multiple problems, and creating step-by-step algorithms).
computer program
A collection of instructions (algorithms) that performs a specific task when executed by a computer.
computer science
The study of using the power of computers to solve problems. It is not the study of computers.
conditional statement
A statement that controls the flow of execution depending on some condition. (ex. if, if-else, or else if)
data
Information that can be collected. Often, quantities, characters, or symbols that are the inputs and outputs of computer programs.
data type
The particular kind of data item. Tells how the program intends to use the data. Some examples are integers, floats, Booleans, characters, and strings.
debugging
Finding and fixing errors in programs.
decompose
Break a problem down into smaller pieces.
event
An action that causes something to happen.
expression
The combination of one or more values, constants, variables, operators or functions.
function
Sometimes called a method. A named sequence of statements that performs some useful operation. Functions may or may not take parameters and may or may not produce a result.
input
Data to be entered into a computer for processing (commands or info that you type in).
insertion sort
An algorithm that sorts a list by taking an unsorted item in a list and inserting it in its “best” position. This process is repeated until all items in list have been sorted.
Link to Image
integer
A data type that represents a positive or negative whole number. (ex. -1, 1, 2, 9, 0)
iteration
A repetitive action or command typically created with programming loops.
linear search
A method for finding a target value within a list. It sequentially checks each element of the list for the target value until a match is found or until all the elements have been searched.
logical operator
A symbol or word used to connect two or more conditions in a computer program. (ex. and, or, and not)
loop
The construct that allows the repeated execution of segment of code until a terminating condition has been satisfied.
number
A generic data type that represents numerical values. (ex. Integers, floats, and doubles)
output
Anything that comes out of a computer. (ex. Display to monitor, sound, printing, etc.)
parameter
A name used inside a function to refer to the value which was passed to it as an argument.
problem solving
A process of finding solutions to difficult or complex problems.
programming
The process of creating a computer program.
programming language
A high level language that has a unique set of keywords and a special syntax for organizing program instructions. (ex. Python, Coffeescript, Java, JavaScript, C++, etc..)
Pseudocode
A detailed, yet readable, description of what a computer program or algorithm must do, expressed in languages that humans use naturally rather than in a programming language.
relational operator
A symbol (<, <=, >, >=, and ==) used to compares two entities. The comparison generally evaluates to a True or False. For example, 5 < 2 evaluates to False. Relational operators are commonly found in conditional statements in a computer program.
selection sort
An algorithm that sorts a list by starting in the first position of the list and selecting the best value (ex. smallest) for that position. It repeats this process for each additional position in the list until the list is sorted.
Link to Image
String
Any finite sequence of characters (i.e., letters, numerals, symbols and punctuation marks).
syntax
The set of rules that defines the combinations of symbols that are considered to be a correctly structured document or fragment in that language.
text-based programming language
A programming language that requires the programmer to actually write text to code. Ex. “move up” or “move down” (upper end of coding)
value
A number or string that can be stored in a variable or computed in an expression.
variable
A name that refers to a value. Stores a piece of data, and gives it a specific name.
algorithm
A list of steps to finish a task. A set of instructions that can be performed with or without a computer. For example, the collection of steps to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is an algorithm.
argument
Another term for parameter
arithmetic operator
Operators used to construct expressions. Ex. +, -, *, /, and %.
binary
A way of representing information using only two options. Usually represented as 0’s and 1’s
binary search
A search that works by dividing a list of presorted numbers (or other sortable items) in half over and over until it finds the target or lack of target.
In general, it works by finding the middle of the presorted list and determining if the target is the middle value, greater than the middle value, or less than the middle value. If the target is greater or less than the middle value, the algorithm throws out the other half of the list and repeats on the half where the target might be found.
block-based programming language
Any programming language that lets users create programs by manipulating “blocks” or graphical programing elements, rather than writing code using text. Examples include Code Studio, Scratch, Blockly, and Swift. (Sometimes called visual coding, drag and drop programming, or graphical programming blocks)
Boolean
A data type that has two possible values: “true” and “false”.
bubble sort
An algorithm that sorts a list by repeatedly comparing a data value to its neighbors and swapping the values if they are in the wrong order. The value will “Bubble” towards its position in the list.
Link to Image.
bug
An error in a program that prevents the program from running as expected.
character (char)
A datatype that is a single character which can be a letter, number, or symbol.
code
One or more commands or algorithm(s) designed to be carried out by a computer. The actual created text or blocks of the program.
command
An instruction for the computer. Many commands put together make up algorithms and computer programs.
comment
Information in a program that is meant for other programmers (or anyone reading the source code) and has no effect on the execution of the program.
computational thinking
Mental processes and strategies that include: decomposition, pattern matching, abstraction, algorithms (decomposing problems into smaller, more manageable problems, finding repeating patterns, abstracting specific differences to make one solution work for multiple problems, and creating step-by-step algorithms).
computer program
A collection of instructions (algorithms) that performs a specific task when executed by a computer.
computer science
The study of using the power of computers to solve problems. It is not the study of computers.
conditional statement
A statement that controls the flow of execution depending on some condition. (ex. if, if-else, or else if)
data
Information that can be collected. Often, quantities, characters, or symbols that are the inputs and outputs of computer programs.
data type
The particular kind of data item. Tells how the program intends to use the data. Some examples are integers, floats, Booleans, characters, and strings.
debugging
Finding and fixing errors in programs.
decompose
Break a problem down into smaller pieces.
event
An action that causes something to happen.
expression
The combination of one or more values, constants, variables, operators or functions.
function
Sometimes called a method. A named sequence of statements that performs some useful operation. Functions may or may not take parameters and may or may not produce a result.
input
Data to be entered into a computer for processing (commands or info that you type in).
insertion sort
An algorithm that sorts a list by taking an unsorted item in a list and inserting it in its “best” position. This process is repeated until all items in list have been sorted.
Link to Image
integer
A data type that represents a positive or negative whole number. (ex. -1, 1, 2, 9, 0)
iteration
A repetitive action or command typically created with programming loops.
linear search
A method for finding a target value within a list. It sequentially checks each element of the list for the target value until a match is found or until all the elements have been searched.
logical operator
A symbol or word used to connect two or more conditions in a computer program. (ex. and, or, and not)
loop
The construct that allows the repeated execution of segment of code until a terminating condition has been satisfied.
number
A generic data type that represents numerical values. (ex. Integers, floats, and doubles)
output
Anything that comes out of a computer. (ex. Display to monitor, sound, printing, etc.)
parameter
A name used inside a function to refer to the value which was passed to it as an argument.
problem solving
A process of finding solutions to difficult or complex problems.
programming
The process of creating a computer program.
programming language
A high level language that has a unique set of keywords and a special syntax for organizing program instructions. (ex. Python, Coffeescript, Java, JavaScript, C++, etc..)
Pseudocode
A detailed, yet readable, description of what a computer program or algorithm must do, expressed in languages that humans use naturally rather than in a programming language.
relational operator
A symbol (<, <=, >, >=, and ==) used to compares two entities. The comparison generally evaluates to a True or False. For example, 5 < 2 evaluates to False. Relational operators are commonly found in conditional statements in a computer program.
selection sort
An algorithm that sorts a list by starting in the first position of the list and selecting the best value (ex. smallest) for that position. It repeats this process for each additional position in the list until the list is sorted.
Link to Image
String
Any finite sequence of characters (i.e., letters, numerals, symbols and punctuation marks).
syntax
The set of rules that defines the combinations of symbols that are considered to be a correctly structured document or fragment in that language.
text-based programming language
A programming language that requires the programmer to actually write text to code. Ex. “move up” or “move down” (upper end of coding)
value
A number or string that can be stored in a variable or computed in an expression.
variable
A name that refers to a value. Stores a piece of data, and gives it a specific name.
algorithm
A list of steps to finish a task. A set of instructions that can be performed with or without a computer. For example, the collection of steps to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is an algorithm.
argument
Another term for parameter
arithmetic operator
Operators used to construct expressions. Ex. +, -, *, /, and %.
binary
A way of representing information using only two options. Usually represented as 0’s and 1’s
binary search
A search that works by dividing a list of presorted numbers (or other sortable items) in half over and over until it finds the target or lack of target.
In general, it works by finding the middle of the presorted list and determining if the target is the middle value, greater than the middle value, or less than the middle value. If the target is greater or less than the middle value, the algorithm throws out the other half of the list and repeats on the half where the target might be found.
block-based programming language
Any programming language that lets users create programs by manipulating “blocks” or graphical programing elements, rather than writing code using text. Examples include Code Studio, Scratch, Blockly, and Swift. (Sometimes called visual coding, drag and drop programming, or graphical programming blocks)
Boolean
A data type that has two possible values: “true” and “false”.
bubble sort
An algorithm that sorts a list by repeatedly comparing a data value to its neighbors and swapping the values if they are in the wrong order. The value will “Bubble” towards its position in the list.
Link to Image.
bug
An error in a program that prevents the program from running as expected.
character (char)
A datatype that is a single character which can be a letter, number, or symbol.
code
One or more commands or algorithm(s) designed to be carried out by a computer. The actual created text or blocks of the program.
command
An instruction for the computer. Many commands put together make up algorithms and computer programs.
comment
Information in a program that is meant for other programmers (or anyone reading the source code) and has no effect on the execution of the program.
computational thinking
Mental processes and strategies that include: decomposition, pattern matching, abstraction, algorithms (decomposing problems into smaller, more manageable problems, finding repeating patterns, abstracting specific differences to make one solution work for multiple problems, and creating step-by-step algorithms).
computer program
A collection of instructions (algorithms) that performs a specific task when executed by a computer.
computer science
The study of using the power of computers to solve problems. It is not the study of computers.
conditional statement
A statement that controls the flow of execution depending on some condition. (ex. if, if-else, or else if)
data
Information that can be collected. Often, quantities, characters, or symbols that are the inputs and outputs of computer programs.
data type
The particular kind of data item. Tells how the program intends to use the data. Some examples are integers, floats, Booleans, characters, and strings.
debugging
Finding and fixing errors in programs.
decompose
Break a problem down into smaller pieces.
event
An action that causes something to happen.
expression
The combination of one or more values, constants, variables, operators or functions.
function
Sometimes called a method. A named sequence of statements that performs some useful operation. Functions may or may not take parameters and may or may not produce a result.
input
Data to be entered into a computer for processing (commands or info that you type in).
insertion sort
An algorithm that sorts a list by taking an unsorted item in a list and inserting it in its “best” position. This process is repeated until all items in list have been sorted.
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integer
A data type that represents a positive or negative whole number. (ex. -1, 1, 2, 9, 0)
iteration
A repetitive action or command typically created with programming loops.
linear search
A method for finding a target value within a list. It sequentially checks each element of the list for the target value until a match is found or until all the elements have been searched.
logical operator
A symbol or word used to connect two or more conditions in a computer program. (ex. and, or, and not)
loop
The construct that allows the repeated execution of segment of code until a terminating condition has been satisfied.
number
A generic data type that represents numerical values. (ex. Integers, floats, and doubles)
output
Anything that comes out of a computer. (ex. Display to monitor, sound, printing, etc.)
parameter
A name used inside a function to refer to the value which was passed to it as an argument.
problem solving
A process of finding solutions to difficult or complex problems.
programming
The process of creating a computer program.
programming language
A high level language that has a unique set of keywords and a special syntax for organizing program instructions. (ex. Python, Coffeescript, Java, JavaScript, C++, etc..)
Pseudocode
A detailed, yet readable, description of what a computer program or algorithm must do, expressed in languages that humans use naturally rather than in a programming language.
relational operator
A symbol (<, <=, >, >=, and ==) used to compares two entities. The comparison generally evaluates to a True or False. For example, 5 < 2 evaluates to False. Relational operators are commonly found in conditional statements in a computer program.
selection sort
An algorithm that sorts a list by starting in the first position of the list and selecting the best value (ex. smallest) for that position. It repeats this process for each additional position in the list until the list is sorted.
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String
Any finite sequence of characters (i.e., letters, numerals, symbols and punctuation marks).
syntax
The set of rules that defines the combinations of symbols that are considered to be a correctly structured document or fragment in that language.
text-based programming language
A programming language that requires the programmer to actually write text to code. Ex. “move up” or “move down” (upper end of coding)
value
A number or string that can be stored in a variable or computed in an expression.
variable
A name that refers to a value. Stores a piece of data, and gives it a specific name.