Algorithm: A finite set of steps to solve a problem
Sequencing: Running statements in order
Selection: Choosing which code runs based on a condition
Iteration: Repeating a block of code
Variable: A named place that stores a value
Data type: The kind of value, such as integer, string or boolean
Boolean: A value that is true or false
String: A sequence of characters
Integer overflow: A result too big for the number of bits available
Round-off error: Small error from limited precision in storing real numbers
Function: A named block of code that can be called
Procedure: A named group of instructions, possibly with parameters
Parameter: A variable in a function definition that receives a value
Argument: The actual value passed to a function
Return value: The value a function sends back
Library: A collection of prewritten code
API: A set of rules for how software components interact
Abstraction: Hiding detail to manage complexity
Modularity: Dividing a program into independent parts
Class: A blueprint for creating objects
Object: An instance of a class with state and behavior
Instance variable: Data stored inside an object
Constructor: Code that initializes a new object
Method: A function belonging to a class
Encapsulation: Keeping data private and exposing it through methods
Inheritance: A subclass reuses and extends a superclass
Polymorphism: The same method call behaves differently depending on the object
Overloading: Methods with the same name but different parameters
Overriding: A subclass provides its own version of a superclass method
Static method: A method belonging to the class, not an object
Array: A fixed-size, ordered collection of items
ArrayList: A resizable list in Java
List: An ordered collection of elements
Index: The position of an item, usually starting at 0
2D array: An array of arrays, like a grid
Traversal: Visiting each element of a data structure
For loop: A loop with a counter and a stopping condition
While loop: A loop that repeats while a condition is true
Infinite loop: A loop that never ends
Nested loop: A loop inside another loop
Off-by-one error: A bug from a loop going one step too far or too short
Compound condition: Conditions joined with AND, OR or NOT
De Morgan's laws: NOT (A and B) equals (NOT A) or (NOT B)
Short-circuit evaluation: Stopping evaluation once the result is known
Recursion: A method that calls itself
Base case: The condition that stops recursion
Linear search: Checking each element in order
Binary search: Repeatedly halving a sorted list
Selection sort: Repeatedly selecting the smallest remaining item
Insertion sort: Placing each item into its sorted position
Merge sort: Dividing in half, sorting each, and merging
Algorithm efficiency: How the work grows with input size
Big-O notation: Describes how running time grows as input grows
Reasonable time: Polynomial time or better
Unreasonable time: Exponential or worse growth
Heuristic: An approach that finds a good-enough answer when exact solutions are too slow
Undecidable problem: A problem no algorithm can solve for all cases
Parallel computing: Running parts of a task at the same time
Bit: A binary digit, 0 or 1
Byte: Eight bits
Binary: Base-2 number system
Hexadecimal: Base-16 number system
Lossless compression: Reduces size without losing any data
Lossy compression: Reduces size by discarding some data
Metadata: Data that describes other data
Data cleaning: Fixing or removing incorrect data
Big data: Datasets too large for ordinary processing
Internet: A global network of networks
IP address: A numeric address for a device on a network
DNS: System that translates domain names to IP addresses
Packet: A small unit of data sent across a network
TCP/IP: Protocols that route and deliver data across the internet
Router: Device that forwards packets between networks
Fault tolerance: A network keeps working when parts fail
Bandwidth: Maximum data a connection can carry per time
Latency: Delay before data transfer begins
HTTP: Protocol for the web
Encryption: Scrambling data so only authorized parties can read it
Symmetric encryption: One shared key encrypts and decrypts
Public-key encryption: A public key encrypts; a private key decrypts
Phishing: Tricking people into giving up private information
Malware: Software designed to cause harm
Multifactor authentication: Verifying identity with more than one kind of proof
Digital divide: Unequal access to technology
Crowdsourcing: Getting contributions from a large group of people online
Open source: Software whose code is free to view and modify
Bias in algorithms: Systematic unfairness in a program's results
Creative Commons: Licenses that let creators share work with set permissions
Debugging: Finding and fixing errors
Syntax error: Code that breaks the language's rules
Logic error: Code that runs but gives wrong results
Run-time error: An error that happens while the program is running
Testing: Running a program with chosen inputs to check behavior
Pseudocode: Informal, language-independent description of an algorithm
Flowchart: A diagram of an algorithm's steps
Event-driven programming: Code that responds to user actions or messages
Simulation: A program that models a real-world system

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