Digital Technologies: Glossary of Terms

Array Hard coding

A data structure that contains a group of elements (values or variables), Assigning a value directly into the source code of a program so that it cannot
typically all the same data type (e.g., integer s). Arrays are commonly used in be changed unless the source code itself is altered.
computer programs to organise a related set of values so that it can be easily Heuristic
sorted or searched. A technique for solving a problem more quickly when classic methods are too
Block-based programming slow, or for finding an approximate solution when classic methods cannot
An interface for program building that allows users to drag and drop blocks provide an exact solution.
representing programming commands. This alternative to text-based Join table
programming is a way of teaching children how to program using blocks of A table formed by combining columns from one or more tables in a relational
instructions with a focus on the logic of programming rather than details of database.
syntax. Loop
CamelCase convention A sequence of instructions in a program repeated until a certain condition is
A way of naming in which a compound word uses an initial capital letter for reached:
each of its word parts. In some systems, the first letter of the compound – with a ‘for loop’, the instructions are repeated a certain number of times
word is capitalised (e.g., ‘CamelCase’); in others, it is in lower case (e.g., – with a ‘while’ loop, the instructions are repeated until a given condition
‘camelCase’) . The convention was adopted in the 1970s and 1980s as a becomes false
standard for multi-word identifiers in a number of programming languages . – with a ‘forever loop’ (also known as an ‘infinite’ or ‘endless’ loop), the
Commenting code instructions are repeated endlessly.
Adding comments to explain how the code in a program works or what it Parity bit
does. Commenting out Disabling a block of source code by changing it into a A bit added to a string of binary code to detect errors. A parity bit (also
comment . This technique is used for debugging or for testing the known as a ‘check bit’) gives data either an odd or even parity, which is used
functionality of alternative versions of code. to validate the integrity of the data.
Compound logical operator Ping
A word or symbol (e.g., AND, NOT, OR, &&) used to link conditions when A network software utility used to test if a computer is operating and its
creating a constraint, with each condition able to be evaluated as true or network connections are intact.
false. This supports a program to make a decision based on a number of such Pseudocode
conditions. A detailed but readable description of what a computer program or algorithm
Compression coding must do. It uses the structural conventions of a normal programming
Coding information using fewer bits than the original to reduce the amount of language, but is intended to be read by humans rather than machines.
memory required to store files: - lossy compression compresses a file by Query
removing some of the original data - lossless compression compresses a file A search in a database to retrieve data that matches certain parameters .
without removing any data by storing a map of repeating patterns of data - Remote data packet exchange
ZIP is an archive file format that supports lossless data compression. A ZIP file The process of a device sending or receiving data packets to or from a
may contain several files or directories, each of which may have been location outside the home network. This can involve using a protocol such as
compressed using a particular algorithm. TCP or UDP and resolving the DNS.
Control structure Source code
A block of programming that analyses variables in order to select a direction The code of a computer program written so it’s readable by a person and
in which to go, based on given parameter or conditions. In an ‘iterative using the particular syntax of a programming language (e.g., C, Python, Java).
control structure’, a set of instructions are repeated a specified number of Source code is compiled or interpreted into machine code able to be run by a
times or until a condition is met. computer.
Countif function Sprite
A function in a spreadsheet that counts the number of cells that meet a single A character or visual representation of an object in a computer game,
or multiple criteria (e.g., the number of cells in the range C2:C11 whose value simulation or application.
is greater than 3 and less than 12). String concatenation
CSV data The joining together of two or more strings of characters.
Data found in simple file formats used for storing tabular data. CSV is an Switch statement
abbreviation for A control mechanism in which the value of a variable or expression changes
‘comma-separated values’. the execution of a program and which usually involves multiple branches.
Dynamic IP address Text-based programming
An IP address that is assigned by a network to a device when it connects to A traditional programming method in which letters, numbers and symbols are
the network and that changes over time. A static IP address does not change typed to determine inputs and outputs . Text-based programming languages
like this. Dynamic IP addressing is more efficient for configuring multiple such as Python, C, and Java require programmers to follow a formal, text-
network devices, as each device does not have to be manually assigned its based syntax.
network address. Variables
Function ‘Containers’ used to label and store data in memory. The data can then be
A named section of a computer program that performs a specific task. used throughout a program:
Functions help make code more efficient and reusable. They may take input – integer variables use only numbers and so can be used for calculations
parameters and produce output. – string variables are sequences of code that may contain numbers, letters
Graphical user interface (GUI) and other characters, and so cannot be used for calculations.
An interface that supports users to work with electronic devices via icons and
visual indicators rather than through text commands. The icons and visual
indicators are generally manipulated by a mouse or via touch screen
technology.