IGCSE CIE Computer Science 0984 - Key Definitions

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Data Representation

Bit – A binary digit, either 0 or 1.

Byte – A group of 8 bits.

Character Set – A list of characters recognised by a computer and their binary

ASCII – A 7-bit character encoding standard that represents text in computers.

Unicode – A character encoding standard that uses up to 32 bits to represent a wide

Binary – Base-2 number system used by computers, consisting of only 0 and 1.

Denary – Base-10 number system, used in everyday human counting.

Hexadecimal – Base-16 number system, used for simplified binary representation.

Pixel – The smallest unit of a digital image.

Resolution – The total number of pixels in an image, calculated by width × height.

Colour Depth – The number of bits used to represent the colour of each pixel.

Sampling – Taking measurements of a sound wave at regular intervals for digital

Sample Rate – The number of audio samples taken per second, measured in hertz (Hz).

Sample Resolution – The number of bits used to store each individual sample in a sound
file.

File Size (Image) – Width × Height × Colour Depth (in bits).

File Size (Sound) – Sample Rate × Sample Resolution × Duration.

Serial Transmission – Data sent one bit at a time over a single wire.

Parallel Transmission – Multiple bits sent simultaneously over multiple wires.

Simplex – Data flows in one direction only.

Half-Duplex – Data flows in both directions, but only one direction at a time.

Full-Duplex – Data flows in both directions simultaneously.

Baud Rate – Number of signal changes per second during transmission.

Bit Rate – Number of bits transmitted per second.

Parity Check – Error detection method using an extra parity bit to ensure correct
number of 1s.

Check Digit – A digit added to numerical data to validate input accuracy.

ARQ (Automatic Repeat reQuest) – Error checking method that automatically requests
retransmission if errors are detected.

Echo Check – Method where data is sent, returned, and compared to check for errors.

Hardware

Input Device – Hardware used to enter data into a computer system.

Output Device – Hardware used to display or present data from a computer.

Storage Device – Hardware used to store data permanently or temporarily.

Primary Storage – Directly accessible memory by the CPU (e.g. RAM, ROM).

Secondary Storage – Long-term non-volatile storage (e.g. HDD, SSD).

RAM – Temporary memory that stores data and programs currently in use. It is volatile.

ROM – Memory that contains permanent instructions and data. It is non-volatile.

SSD – Storage device with no moving parts that uses flash memory.
HDD – Storage device that uses magnetic spinning disks to store data.

Cloud Storage – Storing data on remote servers accessed via the Internet.

CPU – The central processing unit; performs instructions and processes data.

ALU – Arithmetic Logic Unit; performs calculations and logic operations.

Control Unit – Directs operations of the processor and manages execution of

Register – Small, fast memory locations inside the CPU used to store data temporarily.

Software

System Software – Software that manages and controls computer hardware.

Application Software – Software used by users to perform tasks (e.g. word processing).

Operating System – Software that manages hardware, software, and user interface.

Utility Software – Programs that perform maintenance tasks (e.g. antivirus, backup).

Compiler – Translates the entire high-level program into machine code before running.

Interpreter – Translates and runs high-level code line by line.

Assembler – Translates assembly language into machine code.

Source Code – Code written by programmers in a high-level language.

Machine Code – Code in binary form that can be executed directly by a CPU.

Internet & Security

IP Address – A unique numerical label assigned to a device on a network.

MAC Address – A hardware address assigned to a network interface card.

URL – The address used to access a specific webpage.

HTML – A markup language used to structure and format web pages.

Web Browser – Software used to access and display websites.

Search Engine – A tool that finds websites based on keywords entered.

ISP (Internet Service Provider) – A company that provides internet access to users.

Firewall – A system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.

Phishing – Attempt to trick users into revealing personal information via fake messages
or sites.

Malware – Malicious software designed to damage or disrupt systems.

Encryption – The process of converting data into a coded form for security.

Emerging Technologies

Automation – Use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention.

Sensor – A device that detects physical changes such as heat or movement.

Actuator – A device that carries out actions based on digital signals.

Robotics – Use of robots to automate tasks, often in manufacturing.

AI (Artificial Intelligence) – Simulation of human intelligence by machines.

Machine Learning – An AI technique where systems learn from data and improve over
time.

Biometrics – Authentication based on physical characteristics (e.g. fingerprint, iris).

Drones – Unmanned aerial vehicles used for surveillance, delivery, etc.

3D Printing – Creating physical objects layer-by-layer from digital models.

Algorithm Design and Problem-Solving

Algorithm – A set of step-by-step instructions to solve a problem.

Pseudocode – A structured way of writing algorithms using a mixture of natural

Flowchart – A diagrammatic representation of an algorithm using standard symbols.

Subroutine – A named block of code that performs a specific task; includes procedures
and functions.

Procedure – A subroutine that performs a task but does not return a value.

Function – A subroutine that returns a value.

Iteration – The repetition of a set of instructions (loops).

Selection – A decision-making process in which a condition determines which path is

Linear Search – A method of finding a value by checking each element one by one.

Binary Search – A method of searching in a sorted list by repeatedly dividing the search
interval in half.

Bubble Sort – A sorting algorithm that repeatedly steps through the list, compares
adjacent items, and swaps them if needed.

Trace Table – A table used to track the values of variables in an algorithm step by step.
Programming

Variable – A named memory location that can store data which may change during
program execution.

Constant – A value that does not change during program execution.

Data Type – The classification of data based on its value, e.g., Integer, Real, String,
Boolean.

Array – A data structure used to store multiple values of the same type using a single
identifier.

String Manipulation – The process of changing or analysing strings (e.g. length,

Validation – Checking if input data is reasonable before it is processed.

Testing – The process of checking a program for errors.

Syntax Error – An error caused by breaking the rules of the programming language.

Logic Error – An error where the program runs but produces incorrect results.

Runtime Error – An error that occurs while the program is running.

Debugging – The process of finding and fixing errors in a program.

Comment – A non-executable line in code used to explain the program to humans.

Databases

Database – An organised collection of related data.

Table – A structure in a database made up of rows and columns to store data.

Record – A row in a table that holds all the data about one entity.

Field – A column in a table that holds one piece of data for all records.
Primary Key – A unique identifier for each record in a table.

Foreign Key – A field in one table that links to the primary key in another table.

Query – A request to retrieve or manipulate data from a database.

Report – A formatted output of data from a query.

Validation Rule – A condition set on a field to ensure only valid data is entered.

Data Integrity – The accuracy and consistency of data in a database.

Flat File – A database that consists of a single table.

Boolean Logic

Boolean – A data type that can have one of two values: TRUE or FALSE.

AND Gate – A logic gate that outputs TRUE only if all inputs are TRUE.

OR Gate – A logic gate that outputs TRUE if at least one input is TRUE.

NOT Gate – A logic gate that outputs the opposite of the input.

NAND Gate – Outputs FALSE only if all inputs are TRUE.

NOR Gate – Outputs TRUE only if all inputs are FALSE.

XOR Gate – Outputs TRUE if the inputs are different.

Truth Table – A table showing all possible input combinations and corresponding output
values for a logic gate or circuit.

Logic Circuit – A diagram that represents a series of logic gates connected together.