Computer Science 2024-04-15

Key Terms
Algorithm

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or set of rules to solve a problem efficiently.

Algorithms are used in various fields, such as mathematics, engineering, and finance.
Algorithms depend on inputs and produce outputs based on the given instructions.
Efficient algorithms aim to minimize time and resources required to solve a problem.
The complexity of an algorithm is measured by the time and space it takes to execute.

Array

Arrays are data structures that store a collection of elements with a fixed size. Elements can be
accessed by their position in the array.

Arrays can store elements of the same data type.

The index of the first element in an array is usually 0.
Arrays have a fixed size and cannot be easily resized.
Arrays provide efficient element retrieval as the position of each element is known.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is a branch of study where machines are programmed to think and learn like
humans.

AI enables machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.

Machine Learning is a subfield of AI that focuses on enabling machines to learn from data.
Natural Language Processing is the ability of a computer to understand and communicate in
human language.
AI has applications in various fields such as healthcare, finance, and gaming.

Big Data

Big Data refers to the large and complex sets of data that cannot be easily managed, processed
or analyzed using traditional methods.

Big Data is characterized by its volume, velocity, variety, and veracity.

The main challenges of Big Data include storage, processing, analysis, and visualization.
Big Data technologies like Hadoop and Spark are commonly used to handle and analyze Big
 Data.
Big Data has various applications in different industries such as healthcare, finance, and
marketing.

Binary

Binary is a numbering system that uses only two digits, 0 and 1, representing information within
computers and digital devices.

Binary is the foundation of all digital systems and is used to represent data and instructions.
The two digits in binary are known as bits, with each bit representing a value of either 0 or 1.
Binary is a way of representing information in a machine-readable format, as computers
understand and process binary.
Converting from binary to decimal is done by using powers of 2, with each bit having a value
based on its position.
Binary operations, such as AND, OR, and XOR, are fundamental in computer logic circuits for
performing calculations and making decisions.

Boolean

Boolean refers to a data type that has two possible values: true or false.

Named after mathematician and logician George Boole.

Commonly used in programming and digital electronics.
Used for logical operations like AND, OR, and NOT.
Can be represented as 0 for false and 1 for true in some programming languages.

Class

In programming, a class is a blueprint for creating objects with similar attributes and behaviors.

A class typically contains variables (attributes) and methods (behaviors).

Objects are instances of a class, created using the class as a template.
Inheritance allows classes to inherit attributes and behaviors from other classes.
Encapsulation is a principle that combines data and methods within a class to protect the
data from external interference.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing refers to the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the
internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or personal computer.

Cloud computing provides scalable and on-demand access to a variety of computing

resources.
 It offers flexibility and cost savings by eliminating the need for physical infrastructure.
Cloud services can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
It enables collaboration and sharing of data and applications across different devices and
locations.

Compiler

A compiler is a software tool that translates high-level programming language code into machine
code that can be understood and executed by a computer.

Compilers are essential for developing software applications.

They optimize code for better performance and efficiency.
Compilers detect errors and provide error messages to assist in debugging.
They can also generate executable files that can be run on different platforms.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic

systems, networks, and data from digital attacks.

It includes measures to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and identity theft.
Encryption, firewalls, and antivirus software are commonly used cybersecurity tools.
Cybersecurity professionals also monitor and respond to security incidents and develop
strategies to mitigate risks.
Cybersecurity is crucial to safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring privacy in an
increasingly digital world.

Database

A database is a collection of organized data that can be accessed, managed, and updated easily.

A database uses a structured format to store and retrieve data efficiently.

Databases are commonly used in various industries for storing and managing large amounts
of data.
Relational databases store data in tables with relationships between them.
NoSQL databases are non-relational and can handle unstructured and semi-structured data.

Debugging

Debugging is the process of identifying and fixing errors or bugs in computer programs.

Debugging is an essential skill for programmers as it helps in maintaining and improving the
functionality of software.
Common debugging techniques include using print statements, unit testing, and using
 debugging tools or IDEs.
The process involves identifying the source of the problem, analyzing the code, and
implementing the necessary fixes.
The goal of debugging is to ensure the program runs smoothly, providing the expected output
and avoiding unexpected errors.

Encapsulation

Encapsulation is a fundamental concept in object-oriented programming (OOP) that involves

bundling data with the methods that act on these data.

Encapsulation provides a way to protect data from accidental modification.

Encapsulation ensures high cohesion within classes, promoting modularity in coding.
Encapsulation promotes data hiding as details are hidden from the user, making interface
easier to use.
Encapsulation forms the basis for other principles like inheritance and polymorphism.

Function

In computer science, a function is a reusable block of code that performs a specific task. It
typically takes inputs, known as arguments, and produces outputs, known as return values.

A function can be called multiple times within a program to perform the same task.
Functions make code more modular and easier to read by separating tasks into smaller,
manageable blocks.
A function can have multiple arguments, which are values passed into the function for it to
use.
The return value of a function can be used as input for other functions or stored in variables
for later use.

Hardware

Hardware refers to the physical components of a technology system that enable computing
tasks.

It includes servers, computers, data centers, switches, hubs.

Hardware can also be peripheral devices like printers, keyboards.
They execute instructions from software through the central processing unit.
Hardware's capabilities directly impact system performance and functionality.

IDE

IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment. It is a software application that provides
comprehensive tools and features for writing, debugging, and testing code.
 IDEs are designed to streamline the development process by integrating code editing,
debugging, and compilation into a single interface.
They often include features like syntax highlighting, code completion, and error checking to
help improve coding efficiency and accuracy.
IDEs typically support multiple programming languages, allowing developers to work on
different projects without needing to switch between different tools.
Some popular examples of IDEs include Visual Studio, Eclipse, and IntelliJ IDEA.

Inheritance

Inheritance is a concept in programming that allows a class to inherit properties and behaviors
from a parent class.

Inheritance promotes code reuse by allowing the creation of more specialized classes based
on existing ones.
Inheritance creates a hierarchical relationship between classes, with the ability to access and
modify inherited attributes and methods.
Subclasses can add new attributes and methods or override existing ones inherited from the
parent class.
Multiple levels of inheritance are possible, where a subclass can itself become a superclass
for another subclass.

Input

In computer science, input refers to the data or instructions provided to a computer or program
to perform a specific task.

The input can come from various sources, such as keyboards, mice, scanners, sensors, or
files.
Input data is usually processed by the computer or program to produce an output result.
Errors in input can lead to incorrect output or program malfunction.
Input can be categorized as either interactive (real-time) or batch (pre-determined and
processed together).

Internet

The Internet is a global network of interconnected computers that allows for communication and
sharing of information.

The Internet is a decentralized network, meaning it does not have a central authority.
It is based on the Internet Protocol Suite.
The World Wide Web is a subset of the Internet, consisting of websites and web pages.
The Internet has revolutionized communication and has become an indispensable tool for
businesses and individuals.
Interpreter

An 'Interpreter' is a program that reads and executes code, translating high-level programming
languages into machine code line by line during runtime.

Unlike compilers, interpreters execute code without creating an independent final program.
As interpreters translate each line while the program is running, they help with debugging.
Interpreters may operate slower than compilers due to on-the-go translation.
Python, Ruby, and PHP are examples of interpreted languages.

Loop

A loop in programming allows a set of instructions to be repeated multiple times until a condition
is met.

A loop can be used to iterate over a list or array of values to perform the same operation on
each element.
There are several types of loops, including 'for' loops, 'while' loops, and 'do-while' loops.
Infinite loops occur when the loop condition is always true, causing the loop to run
indefinitely.
Nested loops are loops that are placed inside another loop, allowing for more complex
iterations.

Machine Learning

Machine Learning is a method of teaching computers to make predictions or take actions based
on patterns and examples.

Machine Learning relies on algorithms to learn from data and improve performance over
time.
Supervised learning involves training a model on labeled data, while unsupervised learning
involves finding patterns in unlabeled data.
Regression is a type of Machine Learning where the goal is to predict numeric values.
Classification is a type of Machine Learning where the goal is to categorize data into different
classes.

Network

A network is a collection of interconnected devices or computers that communicate with each

other to share resources and information.

Networks can be classified into different types, such as LAN, WAN, and MAN.
The Internet is a massive global network that connects millions of computers worldwide.
Networking protocols, such as TCP/IP, govern how data is transmitted and received over a
 network.
Network security is a crucial aspect of ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Object

In computer science, an 'object' is a data structure that contains data and associated procedures,
known as methods.

Objects are used to represent real-world entities and facilitate modular and reusable code.
Objects have attributes, also known as properties or fields, which store their data.
Objects can interact with each other by invoking methods on each other.
Object-oriented programming is based on the concept of objects and their interactions.

Output

Output refers to the response or result produced by a computer system or program after
processing input data.

Output can take various forms, such as text displayed on a monitor, sound produced by
speakers, or physical actions performed by a device.
The purpose of output is to communicate the processed information to the user or another
system.
Output devices, such as printers and monitors, are responsible for presenting the output in a
human-readable or machine-readable format.
Output can be interactive, allowing the user to provide input based on the displayed
information.

Polymorphism

Polymorphism is a concept that allows objects of different types to be treated as objects of a

common type.

Polymorphism promotes code reusability and flexibility.

It is achieved through method overloading and method overriding.
Polymorphism enables dynamic binding, as the method to be executed is determined during
runtime.
It is an important principle in object-oriented programming.

Programming

Programming refers to the process of writing instructions for a computer to execute a specific
task or solve a problem.

Programming languages such as C++, Java, and Python are used to write code.
 Programmers use algorithms to design and implement solutions.
Debugging is an important part of programming to identify and fix errors in the code.
Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a popular programming paradigm that focuses on
creating reusable code through objects and classes.

Software

Software is a collection of data or instructions that guide computers to operate a specific task or
operation.

It falls into two primary categories: system software and application software.
Software is written in diverse programming languages.
Software updates are key for its betterment and increased functionality.
Software can either be proprietary or open-source.

Syntax

Syntax refers to the set of rules that dictate how programming languages are structured and
formed.

Syntax ensures that code is written in a way that is understandable by both the computer and
the programmer.
Syntax errors occur when code does not conform to the rules of the programming language.
Syntax includes elements such as keywords, punctuation, and indentation.
Syntax is important for achieving clarity, readability, and maintainability in code.

Variable

In computing, a variable is a named storage location in computer memory that is used to store
data and whose value can be changed during the execution of a program.

A variable can hold different types of data such as numbers, strings, or Booleans.
Variables can be used to store intermediate results and perform calculations.
They are often used to make code more readable and reusable.
Variables can be initialized with an initial value or assigned a value later in the program.