programming vocab

A static data structure that holds data both horizontally and vertically. The structure is fixed and each element has the same data type.

A dynamic data structure that holds data both horizontally and vertically. The structure can change during program execution and the data types of the elements can be different.

A series of instructions that end when the problem is solved.

Adding to an existing data structure.

The values held in the brackets of a subroutine call. These are passed into a subroutine via the parameters.

An expression that results in a numeric value.

A fixed (static) data structure that holds items of the same data type under one name.

Acronym for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. It is used to represent characters with a numerical value.

An assembler translates assembly language into machine code.

A language that replaces machine code with mnemonics and operands to make them easier to read / write.

Assigning a value to a variable.

Properties or characteristics of an entity. E.g. player name, player score

Acronym used to show the order of operations in an arithmetic expression. Brackets, Indices, Division, Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction. Add and subtract are interchangeable and should be read from left to right.

A value that is either True or False.

An expression that evaluates as True or False. Also known as a logical expression.

An operator used in a Boolean expression. For example AND, OR and NOT. Also known as logical operators.

Data that should be accepted by a program. It tests the data right at the boundary of a range.

Named after Julius Caesar. A caesar cipher is one of the oldest and simplest forms of encryption that involves shifting letters of the alphabet by a defined amount to create an encrypted message.

A single character of string.

An operator that is used to compare one operand to another. For example, < >.

A compiler creates an executable file for a program by translating a high level language to machine readable code.

When two or more strings are joined together.

Used to control the flow of execution in a program. A condition contains a logical expression.

A constant is a value that cannot be changed during the execution of a program.