This document provides definitions for key computer science and programming concepts in 3 sentences or less per term. It includes explanations of problemsolving, high-level languages, low-level languages, formal languages, natural languages, portability, interpreting, compiling, source code, object code, executables, byte code, statements, print statements, comments, methods, classes, libraries, bugs, syntax, semantics, parsing, syntax errors, exceptions, run-time errors, logic errors, debugging, braces, and comments.

1. AP Computer Science
Intro Flash Cards
Mrs. Lorelei Howard

2. Problem-solving Formulating a
problem, finding a
solution, and
expressing the solution

3. High-level language Language that is easy
to read and
understand!

4. Low-level language Easy for the computer
to run. (machine
language or assembly)

5. Formal language Designed for a specific
purpose. Programming
languages are considered
formal.

6. Natural Language Languages people
speak! Do you speak
Java?

7. Portability A program that can
run of more than 1
kind of computer

8. Interpret To translate a high-
level language one
line at a time.

9. compile Translate high-level to
low-level all at once—so
that the program may be
executed.

10. Source code High-level language
program before it is
compiled

11. Object code Output of the
compiler—translated
program.

12. executable Object code that is
ready to run. Usually

13. Byte code Java object code. Like
low-level, but it is
portable

14. statement Part of a program that
needs computation
(working out—causes
something to happen)

15. Print statement Causes output to
appear on the screen

16. Contains information about the
comment succeeding statements (explains
what is happening in the code).
No effect on the actual
program.

17. method Collection of
statements

18. class Named collection of
methods

19. library Collection of class and
method definitions

20. bug Error in the program

21. syntax Structure of a program
(like punctuating a
sentence correctly)

22. semantics Meaning of a
program

23. parse To look through and
examine a program

24. Syntax error Error which does not
allow the program to
compile.

25. Exception Program fails at run-
Or time
Run-time Error

26. Logic Error Program does not do what
it is supposed to do! (The
computer only does what
you tell it to do )

27. debugging Getting rid of syntax,
run-time and logic
errors.

28. French Braces Used in Java to group
{ things together
}

29. // Signifies the beginning
of a comment