Computing Glossary
Abstraction is where unnecessary coding is removed, allowing the program to run more smoothly and to be debugged.
Algorithms are the sets of instructions required to make something happen when using any piece of technology. They need to be very explicit (see Jam Sandwich) and contain details of every step involved.
Bug the computing term for an error in an algorithm.
Decomposition involves breaking a task into sections, then working out the steps required to complete each section. This is an important skill to develop for computing and coding as it is all about making a task manageable. It allows pupils to see the value of intermediate steps and will develop pupils’ skills in creating algorithms.
Debugging describes the process involved in finding out why an algorithm does not result in the intended action and correcting this error. This a key skill in computing as bugs occur frequently in programs. Decomposition heavily supports debugging as it enables programmers to identify more easily which part of the program contains the error. It is advisable for programmers to program one section at a time and run their program to identify any bugs as soon as possible.
Digital devices include any electronic items which processes input and produce output according to a stored program, such as:
Evaluating algorithms involves considering a multitude of possible steps which could lead to the required outcome and deciding which is the most efficient.
Hardware refers to the device used to run a program (e.g. laptops/desk tops/tablets and peripheral or external hardware such as printers).
Input/inputting relates to the information being entered into a digital device.
Loop is the instruction the programmer uses to tell the computer how many times to repeat a set of instructions, e.g. "10 times" or "forever". This is also known as repetition.
Output is the resulting action of input on a stored program.
Patterns can help to find and fix problems in computing with minimal difficulty. They can help you recreate code quickly by spotting similarities.
Predicting in computing is the same as predicting within other areas of the curriculum (e.g. maths or science) where pupils use prior knowledge of similar situations and predict what will happen. In programming, pupils use their predictions to support their creation of an algorithm. If their prediction does not result in the action they had intended, they will need to debug.
Programming is the entering of the algorithm into a digital device. This may be by pressing a predetermined sequence of buttons (e.g. a Bee-Bot or a microwave), dragging and dropping icons (e.g. Scratch) or typing programming language commands into a computer (e.g. Python).
Remix relates to using a project then changing it by adding, removing or changing parts of it to make it a new or unique project.
Repetition in computing is the same as in other scenarios, however the programmer needs to tell the computer how many times to repeat or command it to repeat a set of instructions "forever". This is also known as a loop.
Selection relates to making choices as a programmer to navigate the effects resulting from a variety of actions within the program, e.g. "if...then..."
Sequence describes the way programs follow a step by step process.
Terminal refers to the user screen which programmers use to "interface" or input commands to a program.
Tinkering is experimentation with existing programs.
Variables are used to help run most computer programs. The variable consists of a value that can change upon the information received by the program. The use of variables allows the programmer to store, change and access the information as the program runs. See https://wiki.scratch.mit.edu/wiki/Variable http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zw3dwmn
The authors are not taking ownership of any images or videos on this website, unless stated otherwise on the respective pages, and therefore have attempted to make contact with all owners of images and videos used on this website.
Algorithms are the sets of instructions required to make something happen when using any piece of technology. They need to be very explicit (see Jam Sandwich) and contain details of every step involved.
Bug the computing term for an error in an algorithm.
Decomposition involves breaking a task into sections, then working out the steps required to complete each section. This is an important skill to develop for computing and coding as it is all about making a task manageable. It allows pupils to see the value of intermediate steps and will develop pupils’ skills in creating algorithms.
Debugging describes the process involved in finding out why an algorithm does not result in the intended action and correcting this error. This a key skill in computing as bugs occur frequently in programs. Decomposition heavily supports debugging as it enables programmers to identify more easily which part of the program contains the error. It is advisable for programmers to program one section at a time and run their program to identify any bugs as soon as possible.
Digital devices include any electronic items which processes input and produce output according to a stored program, such as:
- Programmable toys (e.g. Bee-Bots, ProBots and Roamer)
- Recording devices (e.g. cameras, video cameras, EasiSpeak microphones, sound buttons)
- Mobile devices (e.g. iPads, iPods, tablets)
- Computers, including laptops, Raspberry Pi, desktops and servers (although technically all of these digital devices are types of computers).
Evaluating algorithms involves considering a multitude of possible steps which could lead to the required outcome and deciding which is the most efficient.
Hardware refers to the device used to run a program (e.g. laptops/desk tops/tablets and peripheral or external hardware such as printers).
Input/inputting relates to the information being entered into a digital device.
Loop is the instruction the programmer uses to tell the computer how many times to repeat a set of instructions, e.g. "10 times" or "forever". This is also known as repetition.
Output is the resulting action of input on a stored program.
Patterns can help to find and fix problems in computing with minimal difficulty. They can help you recreate code quickly by spotting similarities.
Predicting in computing is the same as predicting within other areas of the curriculum (e.g. maths or science) where pupils use prior knowledge of similar situations and predict what will happen. In programming, pupils use their predictions to support their creation of an algorithm. If their prediction does not result in the action they had intended, they will need to debug.
Programming is the entering of the algorithm into a digital device. This may be by pressing a predetermined sequence of buttons (e.g. a Bee-Bot or a microwave), dragging and dropping icons (e.g. Scratch) or typing programming language commands into a computer (e.g. Python).
Remix relates to using a project then changing it by adding, removing or changing parts of it to make it a new or unique project.
Repetition in computing is the same as in other scenarios, however the programmer needs to tell the computer how many times to repeat or command it to repeat a set of instructions "forever". This is also known as a loop.
Selection relates to making choices as a programmer to navigate the effects resulting from a variety of actions within the program, e.g. "if...then..."
Sequence describes the way programs follow a step by step process.
Terminal refers to the user screen which programmers use to "interface" or input commands to a program.
Tinkering is experimentation with existing programs.
Variables are used to help run most computer programs. The variable consists of a value that can change upon the information received by the program. The use of variables allows the programmer to store, change and access the information as the program runs. See https://wiki.scratch.mit.edu/wiki/Variable http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zw3dwmn
The authors are not taking ownership of any images or videos on this website, unless stated otherwise on the respective pages, and therefore have attempted to make contact with all owners of images and videos used on this website.