AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES VOCABULARY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Algorithm - (answer)At its core, an algorithm is really just a generalized, conceptual solution to a
problem that can later be implemented in some real-world form like a computer program.
Application Program Interface - (answer)Application program interface (API) is a set of routines,
protocols, and tools for constructing software applications. An API specifies how software components
should interact. In addition, APIs are used when programming graphical user interface (GUI)
components.
Binary - (answer)A numeric system of base 2 that only uses combinations of the digits zero and one; this
is used in one of the lowest levels of abstraction. Computers operate in binary, as they store data and
perform calculations using only zeros and ones. While a single binary digit can be used to represent True
(1) or False (0) in boolean logic, multiple binary digits can be used in conjunction to store large numbers
and perform complex functions. Computers translate between binary and what you actually work with
such as numbers and text.
Binary Search - (answer)A search algorithm that locates the position of a target value within a sorted
array by repeatedly dividing the search interval in half; can only be used when the list is sorted. Because
of its divide-and-conquer approach, the amount of work required to find an item grows much more
slowly with Binary Search than with Sequential Search. In fact, with this logarithmic behavior
Boolean Function* - (answer)Any function based on the operations AND, OR, and NOT, and whose
elements are from the domain of Boolean algebra. A function whose arguments, as well as the function
itself, assume values from a two-element set (usually {0,1})
Central Processing Unit - (answer)CPU, or processor, is the brains of the computer where most
calculations take place. Contains the circuitry necessary to interpret and execute program instructions.
Computational Artifact - (answer)Something created by a human using a computer and can be, but is
not limited to, a program, an image, an audio, a video, a presentation, or web page file
Cryptography - (answer)The science of coding and decoding messages in order to keep them secure.
Coding takes place using a key that ideally is known only by the sender and intended recipient of the
message.
,AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES VOCABULARY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Floating Point Numbers - (answer)As the name implies, floating point numbers are numbers that contain
floating decimal points. Examples include, the numbers 5.5, 0.001, and -2,345.6789. Numbers without
decimal places are called integers. Computers recognize real numbers that contain fractions as floating
point numbers.
Hexadecimal - (answer)Hexadecimal describes a base-16 number system. That is, it describes a
numbering system containing 16 sequential numbers as base units (including 0) before adding a new
position for the next number. The hexadecimal numbers are 0-9 and then use the letters A-F. Used to
represent digital data because it utilizes fewer digits than binary.
Integers - (answer)An integer is a whole number (not a fraction) that can be positive, negative, or zero.
In computer science, an integer is a datum of integral data type, a data type that represents some finite
subset of the mathematical integers. Integral data types may be of different sizes and may or may not
be allowed to contain negative values.
Iterations - (answer)Iteration is the repetition of part of an algorithm until a condition is met or for a
specified number of times. This is often called a 'loop'. Recursive functions repeatedly execute
themselves as part of their operation. Upon completing all instructions and resetting to the first one
iteration has been completed.
Libraries - (answer)In computer science, a library is a collection of non-volatile resources that a program
can use often to develop software. Libraries are particularly useful for storing frequently used routines
because you do not need to explicitly link them to every program that uses them. The linker
automatically looks in libraries for routines that it does not find elsewhere. Resources which may be
found in libraries include data, documentation, message templates, pre-written code, classes, or values.
Linear/Sequential Search - (answer)A process that checks every element in the list sequentially until the
desired element is found or all elements have been searched. Can be used in any type of list. Has linear
performance.
Lossless Data Compression - (answer)With lossless compression, every single bit of data that was
originally in the file remains after the file is uncompressed. All of the information is completely restored.
This is generally the technique of choice for text or spreadsheet files, where the loss of words or
financial data could pose a problem. PNG is an image format that provides lossless compression.
, AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES VOCABULARY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Lossy Data Compression - (answer)Lossy compression reduces a file by permanently eliminating certain
information, especially redundant information. When the file is uncompressed, only a part of the
original information is still there (although the user may not notice it). Lossy compression is generally
used for video and sound, where a certain amount of information loss will not be detected by most
users. JPEG provides lossy compression.
Metadata - (answer)Metadata is data that describes other data. Metadata summarizes basic information
about data, which can make finding and working with particular instances of data easier. It provides
information concerning an item's content such as image resolution and size.
Parameters* - (answer)In computer programming, a parameter or "argument" is a value that is passed
into a function. Most modern programming languages allow functions to have multiple parameters.
While the syntax of a function declaration varies between programming languages, a typical function
with two parameters may look something like this:
function graphXY(x, y)
{
...
}
generalize a solution by allowing a procedure to be used instead of duplicate code; provide different
values as input to procedures when they are called in a program.
Pseudocode - (answer)Pseudocode is a detailed yet readable description of what a computer program or
algorithm must do. It may also describe an operating principle. It is expressed in a formally-styled
natural language rather than in a programming language intended for humans. The conventions of
normal programming continue.
Sequencing - (answer)The execution of each step/action of an algorithm in the precise order in which
the statements are given.
One of the three building blocks of algorithms. The other two logic structures are selection and iteration.
In a sequence structure, an action, or event, leads to the next ordered action in a predetermined order.
Algorithm - (answer)At its core, an algorithm is really just a generalized, conceptual solution to a
problem that can later be implemented in some real-world form like a computer program.
Application Program Interface - (answer)Application program interface (API) is a set of routines,
protocols, and tools for constructing software applications. An API specifies how software components
should interact. In addition, APIs are used when programming graphical user interface (GUI)
components.
Binary - (answer)A numeric system of base 2 that only uses combinations of the digits zero and one; this
is used in one of the lowest levels of abstraction. Computers operate in binary, as they store data and
perform calculations using only zeros and ones. While a single binary digit can be used to represent True
(1) or False (0) in boolean logic, multiple binary digits can be used in conjunction to store large numbers
and perform complex functions. Computers translate between binary and what you actually work with
such as numbers and text.
Binary Search - (answer)A search algorithm that locates the position of a target value within a sorted
array by repeatedly dividing the search interval in half; can only be used when the list is sorted. Because
of its divide-and-conquer approach, the amount of work required to find an item grows much more
slowly with Binary Search than with Sequential Search. In fact, with this logarithmic behavior
Boolean Function* - (answer)Any function based on the operations AND, OR, and NOT, and whose
elements are from the domain of Boolean algebra. A function whose arguments, as well as the function
itself, assume values from a two-element set (usually {0,1})
Central Processing Unit - (answer)CPU, or processor, is the brains of the computer where most
calculations take place. Contains the circuitry necessary to interpret and execute program instructions.
Computational Artifact - (answer)Something created by a human using a computer and can be, but is
not limited to, a program, an image, an audio, a video, a presentation, or web page file
Cryptography - (answer)The science of coding and decoding messages in order to keep them secure.
Coding takes place using a key that ideally is known only by the sender and intended recipient of the
message.
,AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES VOCABULARY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Floating Point Numbers - (answer)As the name implies, floating point numbers are numbers that contain
floating decimal points. Examples include, the numbers 5.5, 0.001, and -2,345.6789. Numbers without
decimal places are called integers. Computers recognize real numbers that contain fractions as floating
point numbers.
Hexadecimal - (answer)Hexadecimal describes a base-16 number system. That is, it describes a
numbering system containing 16 sequential numbers as base units (including 0) before adding a new
position for the next number. The hexadecimal numbers are 0-9 and then use the letters A-F. Used to
represent digital data because it utilizes fewer digits than binary.
Integers - (answer)An integer is a whole number (not a fraction) that can be positive, negative, or zero.
In computer science, an integer is a datum of integral data type, a data type that represents some finite
subset of the mathematical integers. Integral data types may be of different sizes and may or may not
be allowed to contain negative values.
Iterations - (answer)Iteration is the repetition of part of an algorithm until a condition is met or for a
specified number of times. This is often called a 'loop'. Recursive functions repeatedly execute
themselves as part of their operation. Upon completing all instructions and resetting to the first one
iteration has been completed.
Libraries - (answer)In computer science, a library is a collection of non-volatile resources that a program
can use often to develop software. Libraries are particularly useful for storing frequently used routines
because you do not need to explicitly link them to every program that uses them. The linker
automatically looks in libraries for routines that it does not find elsewhere. Resources which may be
found in libraries include data, documentation, message templates, pre-written code, classes, or values.
Linear/Sequential Search - (answer)A process that checks every element in the list sequentially until the
desired element is found or all elements have been searched. Can be used in any type of list. Has linear
performance.
Lossless Data Compression - (answer)With lossless compression, every single bit of data that was
originally in the file remains after the file is uncompressed. All of the information is completely restored.
This is generally the technique of choice for text or spreadsheet files, where the loss of words or
financial data could pose a problem. PNG is an image format that provides lossless compression.
, AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES VOCABULARY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Lossy Data Compression - (answer)Lossy compression reduces a file by permanently eliminating certain
information, especially redundant information. When the file is uncompressed, only a part of the
original information is still there (although the user may not notice it). Lossy compression is generally
used for video and sound, where a certain amount of information loss will not be detected by most
users. JPEG provides lossy compression.
Metadata - (answer)Metadata is data that describes other data. Metadata summarizes basic information
about data, which can make finding and working with particular instances of data easier. It provides
information concerning an item's content such as image resolution and size.
Parameters* - (answer)In computer programming, a parameter or "argument" is a value that is passed
into a function. Most modern programming languages allow functions to have multiple parameters.
While the syntax of a function declaration varies between programming languages, a typical function
with two parameters may look something like this:
function graphXY(x, y)
{
...
}
generalize a solution by allowing a procedure to be used instead of duplicate code; provide different
values as input to procedures when they are called in a program.
Pseudocode - (answer)Pseudocode is a detailed yet readable description of what a computer program or
algorithm must do. It may also describe an operating principle. It is expressed in a formally-styled
natural language rather than in a programming language intended for humans. The conventions of
normal programming continue.
Sequencing - (answer)The execution of each step/action of an algorithm in the precise order in which
the statements are given.
One of the three building blocks of algorithms. The other two logic structures are selection and iteration.
In a sequence structure, an action, or event, leads to the next ordered action in a predetermined order.
