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ScienceOlympiadMS 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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) General

the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings

Hallucination General

False information provided by an AI

Machine Learning General

Machine learning is a field of Artificial Intelligence that uses inputs and outputs to create computer models that teaches a computer to have intelligence.

Generative AI General

A form of artificial intelligence that generates new content such as text or art

bias General

Occurs when a result is more favorable to a certain outcome.

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) General

a technical standard that allows electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices to communicate and synchronize with each other

Accessibility JavaScript

The practice of designing things – physical spaces, digital products, information – to be usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities

Alt text (alternative text) JavaScript

A description that is added to an image on a webpage

Prompt Engineering General

the practice of designing inputs for AI tools that will produce optimal outputs.

Prompt Injection General

a method used to trick an AI tool, such as ChatGPT or Bard, into bypassing its normal restrictions

Cryptography General

The practice of encrypting information so only authorized people can read it.

Encryption General

A process of converting information into an unreadable form to keep it secure from unauthorized access.

Brute Force General

The process of breaking an encryption by trial and error.

Symmetric encryption General

When the same key is used to both encrypt and decrypt.

Asymmetric encryption General

When one key encrypts and a different key decrypts.

Substitution Cipher General

A cipher that changes one character or symbol into another.

Block Cipher JavaScript

A cipher that groups bits into blocks of plaintext before applying the encryption.

Transposition Cipher General

A cipher that shifts the positions of plaintext character (or groups of characters) according to a regular system.

Digital Certificate General

A small data file that digitally binds a public cryptographic key to an organization.

Hash Function General

An algorithm used to change a message into an unreadable string of text for the purpose of verifying the information.

Key Exchange General

A method in cryptography by which keys (public or private) are exchanged between two parties.

Reverse Engineering General

Working backwards through an encryption to unveil the input, or the key.

Man-in-the-Middle Attack General

Occurs when someone secretly intercepts communications between two parties by impersonating one or both parties.

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.