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SC Introduction to Programming Glossary

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Karel General

Karel is a dog who listens to your commands.

Karel

Karel Documentation JavaScript

Documentation for all Karel Commands and Syntax.

karel documentation karel docs karel reference

Call a Function JavaScript

Calling a function actually gives the command, so the computer will run the code for that function.

Call a Function

Function body JavaScript

The part of a function that contains the commands

function body

Function Python

A function is like a command that you get to invent and name. It allows us to break our program into smaller parts, making the program easier to understand.

Define a Function JavaScript

Defining a function means to teach the computer a new command and explain what it should do when receiving that command.

Define a Function

Function Body Python

In Python functions, the function body is the indented block of code that comes after the `def my_function():` line. The function body is what will be executed when the function is called.

Snake Case Python

`snake case` refers to the style of writing in which each space is replaced by an underscore `_` character and the first letter of each word is lowercase.

Decomposition General

Decomposition is breaking your program into smaller parts.

Decomposition

Top Down Design JavaScript

Top down design is a method for breaking our program down into smaller parts.

Top Down Design

Precondition JavaScript

Assumptions we make about what must be true before the function is called.

Precondition

Postcondition JavaScript

What should be true after the function is called

Postcondition

Comment Python

A message in your code that explains what is going on.

Abstraction General

Managing complexity by "abstracting away" information and detail, in order to focus on the relevant concepts.

Procedural Abstraction Java

The ability to use methods and programs that we do not fully understand, or are unable to write.

SuperKarel General

SuperKarel is like Karel but already knows how to turnRight() and turnAround()

SuperKarel

Application Programming Interfaces Java

APIs and libraries simplify complex programming tasks by providing sets of clearly defined methods of communication among various computing components.

documentation General

Written instructions detailing the functions, methods, and variables available and how to use them.

For Loop Python

A for loop lets us repeat code a **fixed number of times.**

Condition General

A condition is code that you put inside an if statement or while-loop.

Condition

if statement Python

Executes code only if condition is true

If Else Statement General

Control structure that lets us run either one section of code or another depending on a test.

If Else Statement

While Loop Python

Lets us repeat code as long as something is true.

Control Structure General

A control structure lets us change the flow of the code.

Control Structure loops if statements

Bug General

A bug is a problem in your code.

Bug

Debugging General

Debugging is fixing a problem in your code.

Debugging

Pseudocode General

Pseudocode is a brief explanation of code in plain English.

Pseudocode

Algorithm General

An algorithm is a set of steps or rules to follow to solve a particular problem.

algorithm, process

Sequencing General

Sequencing, or sequential execution, is step by step execution of instructions in the order they are given.

Iteration General

Repetition of instructions a specified number of times, or until a condition is met.

Selection General

Using a condition to determine which part of an algorithm is executed.

Parameters Python

Pieces of information you can give to functions when you define them. When the function is called the arguments are the data you pass into the function's parameters. Parameter is the variable in the declaration of the function. Argument is the actual value of this variable that gets passed to the function.

Ultra Karel JavaScript

Ultra Karel is the same as Super Karel, except Ultra Karel has the ability to paint the grid world!

For Loop JavaScript

A for loop lets us repeat code a **fixed number of times**.

For Loop

While Loop General

Lets us repeat code as long as something is true.

While Loop

Comment JavaScript

A message in your code that explains what is going on.

Comment

Function JavaScript

A function is a way to teach Karel a new word.

Function

Indentation General

Indentation is the visual structure of how your code is laid out. It uses tabs to organize code into a hierarchy.

interpreted language General

Translates and executes program code line by line into machine code.

compiled language General

Translates, or “compiles” the entire code into machine code and then runs the program, or sets aside to run later.

Programming Language General

A programming language is any set of rules that converts strings, or graphical program elements in the case of visual programming languages, to various kinds of machine code output.

machine code General

a computer programming language consisting of binary instructions

Dynamically Typed Language General

A language where variable types are determined at runtime, not in advance.

Statistically Typed Language General

A language where variable types are explicitly declared and checked at compile time.

Type Checking General

The process of verifying and enforcing the constraints of types in a programming language.

Runtime General

The period when a program is running, after it has been compiled or interpreted.

test case General

a set of actions that test a program's functionality

test script General

a program that evaluates a program's functionality

platform General

An operating system such as Windows, Mac OS, Android or iOS.

single-platform software General

Software that only works on one platform, such as only on Android phones, or only on Mac computers.

cross-platform software General

Software that works on multiple platforms.

motherboard General

A circuit board with ports and sockets used to connect the main devices of a computer.

BIOS General

A special kind of firmware that runs programs strictly to start up your computer.

central processing unit (CPU) General

The core component of a device that accepts and executes instructions.

random access memory (RAM) General

A fast type of computer memory which temporarily stores all the information your device needs right away.

solid-state drive (SSD) General

A fast access storage device used in computers.

graphics processing unit (GPU) General

A component designed to speed up the creation of images and output them to a display device, like a monitor.

network interface card (NIC) General

A component with a built in wired network port that allows the computer to connect to a network.

plug-and-play device General

A device that will be recognized by your computer and install on its own.

driver General

A group of files that allows a device to communicate with the computer’s operating system.

Bluetooth General

A short-range wireless communication technology that uses radio waves to transmit information.

NFC (Near Field Communication) General

Enables short-range communication between compatible devices.

volatile storage General

Storage that is available only while the system is on and disappears when the system is turned off.

non-volatile storage General

Storage that is saved and available even when the system is shut down.

network-attached storage (NAS) General

Storage that contains one or more drives that can be accessed over a network.

file server General

Network attached storage that is equipped with powerful network adapters.

Computing Solutions General

Computing solutions are solutions to problems that involve the use of a computer system. This can be either a hardware, software, or combination of the two.

Data Flow Diagram General

Data Flow Diagrams are a visual representation that maps out the flow of information for any process or system.

data science General

The process of learning about the world using data and computation.

statistical question General

A question that could have a variety of different answers.

Spreadsheet General

A computer program that helps us organize, manipulate, and analyze data.

Data Science Life Cycle General

An iterative set of steps used to analyze and interpret data.

Mean General

the "average" of a range of numbers, where you add up all the numbers and then divide by the number of numbers.

Median General

the middle value in a range of numbers.

Mode General

the number that is repeated more often than any other.