| Programming Glossary |
| |
|
| |
 |
|
A |
|
| Accuracy of information |
Whether or not information is correct - this is essential. |
| Addressability |
A way of identifying storage locations in the main memory using a number called an address. |
| Amend |
To change. |
| Analysis |
The analysis stage involves reading and understanding the problem. |
| |
|
| B |
|
| Binary |
Having only two states, counting only two digits, 1 and 0. |
| Bit |
A binary digit, either one (1) or zero (0). |
| Byte |
A group of eight bits. |
| |
|
| C |
|
| Command driven software |
Software that needs commands typed by the user to make it work. |
| Compiler |
A translator program which is part of the systems software of a computer. A compiler translates a high level language into machine code in a single operation. |
| |
|
| D |
|
| Design (of a program) |
Design involves the careful planning of a solution to the problem using a recognised design methodology, for example top-down design. |
| Documentation |
A detailed explanation of how a program works. - made up of a users guide and a technical guide. |
| |
|
| E |
|
| Error reporting |
A message from the operating system of a computer to the user to let them know that an error has occurred. |
| Evaluation |
Involves reviewing your solution against suitable criteria, such as, does your program solve the problem? |
| |
|
| F |
|
| |
|
| G |
|
| |
|
| H |
|
| High Level Instructions |
Instructions written in a high level language. |
| High Level Language |
A computer language with instruction written in normal or everyday language. |
| |
|
| I |
|
| Identify and rectify errors |
Finding and fixing mistakes in a computer program |
| Implementation |
Changing the program and design into instructions that the computer can understand and the production of internal documentation. |
| Interpreter |
A translator program which is part of the systems software of a computer. An interpreter changes high level language into machine code one instruction at a time. |
| IPO |
An abbreviation for Input, Process and Output. |
| |
|
| J |
|
| |
|
| K |
|
| |
|
| L |
|
| Logic error |
A mistake which cause your program to produce an unexpected result, for example using an incorrect formula. |
| |
|
| M |
|
| Machine code |
The processor's own language made up of binary numbers (0's and 1's only) |
| Maintenance |
Maintenance involves changing a program, to improve it by making it work better or adding extra features. |
| Menu |
A list on screen from which choices may be made by the user. |
| Menu driven software |
Software which needs the user to make choices fro a menu to make it work. |
| |
|
| N |
|
| Number |
Data consisting of numbers which may have fractions or a decimal point. |
| |
|
| O |
|
| |
|
| P |
|
| Package |
A computer program and its associated documentation. |
| Portability of software |
When programs are written on one computer system may be used on different computer systems with minimal alteration. |
| Problem description |
The problem you are given to solve in your own words. |
| Problem statement |
The problem you are given to solve. |
| Procedure |
A sub-program which is identified by name, like take_in_words or display_results. |
| Program |
A list of instructions which tells the processor what to do. |
| Program listing |
A hard copy or screen display of the instructions which make up the computer program. |
| Programmer |
A person who writes computer programs. |
| Prompt |
A phrase which appears on screen to ask the user for input. |
| Pseudocode |
A way of representing the design of a program using ordinary language. |
| |
|
| Q |
|
| |
|
| R |
|
| Routine |
A programming instruction which carries out a particular task. |
| |
|
| S |
|
| Sample run |
A hard copy or screen display of the (input and ) output from a computer program. |
| Sequence |
The order in which a set of instructions is carried out or the order in which a set of data is stored on backing storage. |
| Structure chart |
A way of representing the design of a program using boxes linked by lines. |
| Structure diagram |
A diagram made up of different shaped boxes containing text and linked by lines. It is usually used to explain the structure of a computer program |
| Syntax error |
A mistake in a programming instruction. - for example PTRIN instead of PRINT |
| |
|
| T |
|
| Test data |
Data used to test a computer program to find out if it gives the correct results |
| Testing |
Checking whether or not a computer program works as intended |
| Translation |
Changing a computer program from one language in to another, usually from a high level language into machine code. |
| |
|
| U |
|
| User friendliness |
Programs that are easy to learn to use and help you understand as you are using them are called user friendly programs. |
| User friendly |
An interactive computer system which helps the user by giving clear prompts, menus and help screens when needed. |
| |
|
| V |
|
| |
|
| W |
|
| |
|
| X |
|
| |
|
| Y |
|
| |
|
| Z |
|
| |
|
| |
Programming Glossary 
