Computer Science and programming are full of various keywords and jargon such as Inheritance, Abstraction, MVC, OOPS, ASCII, UTF, and more – when you hear kids learning coding and talking to you about what they’re learning, it can seem very alien. So, it is important to feel comfortable with these terminologies.
Here is a full list for your reference:
A
Abstraction
Simplified code or technology that’s easy to use without knowing how it works.
Accelerometer
A device that measures acceleration of movement or that measures vibrations.
Active Record
Information in a database that’s presented to a user. One row from a table.
Agile Software Development
A process of building software in stages. Work is divided into short bursts called sprints. Separate teams may work on different parts of a project.
AJAX
A method for getting data from a web server that uses XML, JavaScript, and HTML.
Algorithm
A sequence of problem-solving steps. For example: Add a series of values together, and then divide by the number of values. These steps produce a mean or average.
Android
A mobile operating system based on Linux
Angular.js
A JavaScript front end framework for building websites. A collection of templates and pre-written code.
Apache
Apache, or Apache HTTP Server, is an open-source and free web server software. Apache had a significant role in the initial growth of the internet and is also the “A” in LAMP Stack.
API
An application programming interface (API) allows interactions between multiple software programs do programmers have access to data and info from external software. The Google Maps API lets people use satellite photos and maps in their own programs.
Apprenticeship
An agreement between an employer and an employee. The apprentice (employee) gets training and pay in exchange for work.
Argument
A number, text string, or other value required for a function to run its code. An argument is the x in f(x) = y.
Arithmetic Operators
These operators are used with numbers to perform basic math, for example “+” for addition. Computers have to add and subtract, multiply and divide to do almost anything.
Array
A single variable that contains a list of data. For example, myNumbers = [0,1,2,3]. Here, myNumbers is an array of numbers.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) is a system for electronic communication. It has 128 numbers that stand for letters and other symbols. ASCII is the same all over the world.
Assignment Operators
An operator that assigns a value to a variable. For example, “=” in Python assigns a value on the right to the variable on the left.
Asynchronous Learning
Learning that may take place at a different time for each student. The material is usually recorded or pre-made.
Asynchronous Programming Languages
A programming language that doesn’t have to do things in the order they are written. Instead, it can do many things at once. For example, JavaScript.
Augmented Reality
Software that puts digital objects on images or videos of the real world. AR (Augmented Reality) is popular on smartphones.
Autonomous
Self-guiding and able to work independently without input from a person. Many drones and some cars are autonomous.
B
Back End
The server side of the internet that the user can’t see. The back end stores, retrieves, and modifies data, it’s essentially the brains of a website.
Backbone.js
A JavaScript library used mostly for one-page web apps to give structure and handle user input and interactivity.
Binary
A system of two possible states, zero and one. Computers operate in binary, meaning they store data and perform calculations using only zeros and ones.
Binary Alphabet
The numbers 0 and 1.
Binary Numbers
Combinations of zeroes and ones that make up a computer program.
Recommended: Teaching binary code using music
BIOS
Firmware used to boot a computer
Bit
A single 0 or 1. It’s the smallest unit of information in computing and digital communications.
Block-based Programming Language
A visual programming language. Block-based programming lets users drag and drop blocks of code to make programs (as opposed to writing text). For example, Scratch is a block programming language.
Blockly
A block programming language created by Code.org. It’s used to teach kids how to code.
Boolean
The “true or false” logic that powers computers. The boolean data type has one of two possible values: it’s either true or false.
Bootstrap (aka Twitter Bootstrap)
An open-source framework. A group of templates for building the front end of a website. A large set of HTML files, CSS stylesheets, and JavaScript.
Bug
Broken code that causes a program to malfunction. Bugs often crash a program or make an error message appear.
Build
To build a program is to make it ready for users. Coders may use special tools to create “builds”, or finished applications. First, coding, testing, and debugging must be completed.
Byte
A byte is eight bits. For example, 0000 0001.
C
C++
A powerful programming language. It’s used to build fast programs. C++ is common in computerized electronic devices.
Call (a function)
A snippet of code that makes a function begin.
Call (a variable)
To call a variable is to use it somewhere in a program.
Camel Case
A form of capitalization used for naming variables. The first letter is always lowercase, and the first letter of every word after that is uppercase. For example, “thisVariable” is in camel case.
Char
An abbreviation of the word “character.” It refers to a single letter, number, or symbol.
Class (HTML and CSS)
The class attribute specifies one or more class names for an HTML element. It’s mostly used to point to a class in a CSS page.
Class (Object Oriented Programming)
A template that defines the qualities of everything that belongs to it. Each member of a class is an object.
Click
To press the button on a computer mouse.
Cloud
A remote data storage location, such as Dropbox. The cloud is a broad term that refers to general internet storage or services.
Code
The written content of a computer program. Code tells the computer what to do, where to store information, and what to show the user.
Code Review
A process of looking through code for mistakes or bugs. Programmers sometimes do code reviews in teams. This increases their ability to find and fix errors.
Coding
The process of writing a computer program. Coding is often the majority of what software engineers do.
Coding Challenge
A problem given to a programmer during a job interview or at school. The programmer must solve it with code, and in the most efficient or effective way possible.
Coding Languages
A human-readable language used to make computer programs. C, Java, and Python are examples of coding languages.
Command
An order the computer must carry out. Copy, Paste, and Print are examples of commands.
Command-line
A computer program that works with text-only input from a user.
Command-line Interface
A text-based way to interact with a computer. There are no buttons, dropdowns, or clickable elements.
Compilation
The procedure that translates code into a format the computer can use. Some programming languages are called compiled languages. They have to be compiled before they can be used.
Compiler
A program that changes text-based code into the code a computer understands. The result is an application, often a .exe file.
Computational Thinking
Reformatting a problem so it becomes solvable by a computer.
Computer Program
A bundle of code that tells a computer what to do. Computer programs do all sorts of things. Some solve math problems. Some play music. Even video games are computer programs.
Computer Science
The ideas that make it possible to solve problems with computers. A computer scientist knows about bits, bytes, code, and memory.
Conditional Statements
A statement that helps a computer decide what to do next. A condition statement has an If/Then format. For example, If a = 1, then add a to b.
Constants
A number, text string, or symbol that never changes value while a program is running. Variables can increase or decrease in value. But a constant always stays the same.
CPU
The processor is an electronic circuit that executes the instructions of a program.
Crowdsourcing
The act of recruiting big groups of people to work on a project. People may work for free or for pay. But everyone contributes to the final goal.
CSS
The code that controls the appearance of a website. This includes things like font styles, colors, and margins. CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets.
Cybersecurity
A field of computing that deals with the safety of anything stored on a computer. The primary goal is to prevent hackers from stealing data or money.
D
Data
Any information that can be stored or used in a computer program. Names, addresses, and phone numbers are data.
Data Science
The science of finding patterns in data with computers. Facebook, Google, and even the government rely on data science. It helps them make better decisions and more useful products.
Data Structures
The formats used to store and organize data in a computer program. Data structures make information as easy to access as possible.
Data Types
The kind of information that a variable or constant can hold. Examples include strings, integers, and booleans.
Recommended: Strongly Typed vs. Weakly Typed Programming Languages
Database (dbms)
A digital vault that stores information. Databases look like tables in a spreadsheet. A website stores usernames and passwords in a database.
Debugging
The process of looking for and repairing coding errors. Debugging is an important part of software development.
Declaration
A single word or symbol used to describe a function or variable. It defines the type of variable or function so the compiler or interpreter knows what to do with it.
Decompose
To divide a complex challenge into smaller chunks. The goal is to make it easier to solve.
Define (a function)
To create a function and the code that goes inside it. After defining a function, the programmer can call it when needed.
Deployment
The process of launching an application or releasing it to users.
Developer
A programmer who writes code to get something done by the computer.
Device Driver
A computer program that controls or provides an interface to control the particular device
Digital Footprint
Any piece of information you leave on a website. A blog post, a comment, or a “like” can be a digital footprint.
Django
A Python framework for the web. Django makes Python website development easier. It’s a collection of templates and libraries.
DNS (Domain Name Service)
A computer system that turns a written domain name into numbers. These numbers are called an IP (Internet Protocol) address. Computers need IP addresses to find websites.
Double-click
A quick pair of mouse clicks, usually to open an application.
Drag
To press and hold the button on a computer mouse, then move the mouse before releasing.
Drop
To let up on the mouse button after clicking and dragging.
DRY
DRY stands for Don’t Repeat Yourself. This principle states, “Every piece of knowledge must have a single, unambiguous, authoritative representation within a system.”
DSL/Cable
A type of broadband (fast) internet service. It uses phone or coaxial cables.
E
Else Statements
An alternative inside an If statement. It essentially tells the computer, “Do one thing if something is true, or else do another thing if it’s not true.”
Encryption
Transforming information in a way that only the authorized could decode the information
End User
A person who ultimately uses the product
Endless Loop
A loop that never ends because the condition it depends on is always true. An endless loop is a bug. Every loop should end, otherwise, the program would be stuck.
Event
An event is something that triggers a response in a program. For example, a mouse click or a button press.
Event Handler
Code that responds to an event such as a mouse click or button press.
Exception
An error that may be caused by a user or missing piece of data.
Executable
A compiled code that can be executed by an operating system or the firmware; also called as a binary sometimes.
Express.js
The backend framework for Node.js. Express is useful for modules and web apps. Developers can build APIs with Express.
Expression
An arithmetic statement such as 1+2 or x-y.
F
F.A.I.L.
An acronym for First Attempt In Learning. Failure is a regular part of the learning process.
Flask
Flask is a backend web framework written in Python. It’s an API of Python that lets us build up web applications quickly and easily without special tools or libraries.
For Loop
A block of code that repeats several times. The programmer must specify the number of times the code should repeat.
Framework
A set of “templates” that programmers use to build programs quickly. Frameworks may contain pre-written code, markup, and APIs. Web frameworks exist for the front end and back end.
Front End
The part of a computer program that a user sees and interacts with. The front end is also called the user interface.
Full Stack Developer
A developer who works on the back end and front end of a website.
Function
A chunk of code that takes input, manipulates it, and produces some kind of output. Programmers create a function just once, but they can use it over and over.
Function Call
A short snippet of code that triggers a function to run. After writing a function, you must call it whenever you want to use it.
Function Definition
The inner workings of a function. The code inside of a function that makes it work.
Recommended: Top Free Coding Platforms for Kids
G
Git
A version control system that tracks changes to code. Git is open-source, meaning you can access it for free.
Github
An internet storage hub for code that works with Git.
H
HAML
HAML (HTML Abstraction Markup Language) is a templating system that cleans and simplifies your HTML. It’s designed to avoid writing inline code in a web document.
Hardcode
Permanent code. Code that a programmer can’t change easily or at all.
Heap Memory
Memory areas from RAM allocated to processes and programs.
Recommended: What is Heap Memory?
High-level Language
A programming language a person can read and understand. Python is a high level language. Machine code (for example, 00000001) is not.
HTML
HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is a markup language used to build basic websites. HTML determines what shows up on the page.
HTTP Request
The method a web browser uses to ask for information from a server. HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol.
I
IDE (Integrated Development Environment)
A program that developers use to write code. IDEs usually know a language’s keywords and can provide help. They can also run programs.
If Statement
A conditional statement. It executes a certain block of code if some condition is true.
Inheritance
The practice of basing a new piece of code on existing code. Programmers use inheritance to create an enhanced version of the original code.
Input
The information that goes into a computer. User input is one type, which includes text, clicks, and button presses.
IntelliJ
An integrated development environment (IDE) created for writing and running code. To start writing code in Java, you can use IntelliJ.
Internet
The internet is made of many computers and servers that are connected to each other. The web exists on the internet, but the internet is much larger than the world wide web.
IOS Swift
Swift is an Apple programming language. It combines elements from the C and Objective C languages.
IP Address
A number associated with a website or a device on the internet. Printers and computers have IP addresses.
Iteration
One pass of a loop. Each time a block of code is executed counts as one iteration of the for or while loop it belongs to.
J
Java
A programming language developed by Oracle. Java is popular for web and mobile applications.
Recommended: What is the Public Static Void Main in Java?
JavaScript
A popular coding language for websites and web apps. JavaScript runs on the client side. That means it runs in the browser instead of the computer where the website “lives”.
JavaScript Framework
A web framework in JavaScript used to build apps and websites.
Recommended: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript – Why are they important?
jQuery
A JavaScript library that makes it easy to change elements on a webpage.
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)
A common data storage format used in many web apps. JSON files keep data organized.
Junior Developer
The first job for many coders. Junior developers work under the guidance of more experienced pros.
K
Keywords
Predefined words in a programming language. These words have a special meaning. In an integrated development environment (IDE), keywords appear in special colors.
L
LAMP Stack
LAMP stack uses Linux operating system, the Apache HTTP Server, MySQL, and the PHP programming language. LAMP stack is a popular open-source web platform used by large web companies like Tesla and Lyft.
Linter
A linter, or lint tool, is a basic static code analyzer that checks your program for potential stylistic and programming errors. You can often find linters in your code editor and they are available for various programming languages today.
Linux
Like Windows, Linux is an operating system. But it’s open-source, so it’s free to use. Linux is popular with developers and runs on most web servers.
Local Environment
A personal computer or a server. This is where coders run programs before launching them. A local environment lets coders see their software in action before showing it to the world.
Loop
A block of code that runs over and over. A loop is an important part of any video game or animation. Loops are present in almost all programs.
Low-level Language
A programming language that isn’t easy for a human to read. Low-level languages make fast computer programs, but they’re difficult to write.
M
Machine Language
Long combinations of zeroes and ones that power a computer. All programs have to get turned into machine language in order to run.
Machine Learning
A form of artificial intelligence where programs have the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience. Image recognition is a common type of machine learning.
Main Function
The first function called after a C or C++ program starts.
Malware
Software developed by cyber criminals with a malicious intention to damage other software systems or to steal information.
Markup Language
A simple language that determines what appears on a computer screen. HTML and XML are markup languages.
MEAN Stack
A complete framework for web development. MongoDB is the M. Express.js is the E. Angular.js is the A. Node.js is the N.
Micro:bit
A tiny computer used in programming courses for kids. The Micro:bit works with lots of sensors and electronic accessories.
MongoDB
A database for web applications. Mongo uses a JSON-like structure instead of rows and columns.
MVC
Used for many kinds of development, MVC is a three-part design pattern. It stands for Model View Controller. Each piece of MVC handles a different part of a program.
MySQL
The most common language used to put info into and take it out of databases. MySQL is often used with another language, like PHP.
N
Neural Networks
A computer program modeled after the human brain. Neural networks learn over time, just like people.
Node.js
Node.js is a programming tool that lets you run JavaScript code outside of a web browser.
Null
Empty or without value. Variables and columns in a database can sometimes be null.
O
Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
Programming with classes and objects. A class is simply a prototype that defines what its objects can do. Every object in the class has the class’s properties.
Object Related Database Management System (ORDBMS)
Two database models in one. It’s part relational database and part object oriented. It has objects and classes as well as tables with rows and columns.
Objects
A member of a class. It might help to think about a real-world analogy. For example, every person is an object that belongs to the class called “humans”.
Online
Connected to the internet. Someone can be online with a computer, a mobile phone, or another electronic device.
Open-Source Software Development
Software that is free for anyone to use. The code for open-source software is available to developers who want to work on it. They can make improvements and add features.
Operand
The variable or value that will be used in an operation. For example, x and y are operands in the x+y.
Operator
An arithmetic symbol such as a plus sign or a minus sign. Or a multiplication sign, division sign, greater than or less than sign.
OS (Operating System)
The software that makes a computer work. It’s responsible for organizing files. An operating system also determines what software can run on the machine.
Recommended: Operating Systems Explained to Kids!
Output
The content that comes out of a computer. Output may be text or numbers. It could even be sound or video.
P
Package
An organization tool for classes in Java. A package keeps large collections of files neatly ordered.
Packets
A block of information that moves from one computer to another.
Pair Programming
Two coders working together on a project. One person codes while the other watches and checks the code for errors.
Parameter
The input of a function. A parameter gets replaced by an argument when the function is called.
Pattern Matching
The process of looking for identical characters or data in a dataset.
Persistence
When a piece of data, information, or web page remains accessible. Persistent data doesn’t get deleted when you close the program.
PHP
A scripting language frequently used for websites. PHP uses tags like HTML, but a PHP website can do much more and the content can change with user input.
Pixel
The basic unit of digital displays. A pixel is a little square that can be one of many colors. Every image on a screen is made up of hundreds or even thousands of pixels.
Pointer
Like variables, pointers store information. But a pointer contains a memory address instead of data. It “points” to the address somewhere in computer memory.
Postgresql
An open-source database. To store or retrieve something, a programmer can write code in SQL.
Program
Written code that runs on a computer. Most programs consist of user interfaces and logic. Adobe Illustrator is a computer program. So is Microsoft Outlook.
Programming
The process of writing code that will become a computer program.
Programming Language
The keywords and special rules people use to write computer programs. Every language has some of its own rules and keywords, but they also have many things in common.
Project-based Learning
Learning by building real projects. It’s possible to learn just by studying concepts, but project-based learning is designed to be fun and to feel like real development.
Python
An open-source programming language. Python is popular because it’s somewhat easy to learn. Many big applications were made in Python including YouTube and DropBox.
QWERTY
A keyboard layout devised by Christopher Latham Sholes. QWERTY are the first six keys on the keyboard.
Quantum Computing
A computer devised on the basis of quantum mechanics as transistors and qubit as the replacement for the traditional bit.
R
A programming language used in data science.
React
A JavaScript library built by Facebook. Its main purpose is to help with user interface (UI) development.
React Native
A type of React that lets developers use the same code for different platforms.
Relational Database Management System (RDBMS)
A program for making and updating databases that use tables.
Repeat
To perform an action more than once.
REST / RESTful
A set of rules that makes it possible for computers to communicate with each other. REST (Representational State Transfer) makes the world wide web possible.
Ruby
Ruby is a programming language designed to be readable. It’s object oriented and useful for all kinds of applications. AirBnB and GitHub were built on Ruby.
Ruby on Rails
Ruby’s full-stack web framework. If you want to build web applications with Ruby, Rails makes it easier.
Run Program
To start a computer program.
Runtime
Runtime is the stretch of time when a computer program is running.
S
Safe Mode
A diagnostic mode for a system where only the most essential features are available and is usually used to debug an issue.
SASS
SASS (Syntactically Awesome Style Sheets) is a scripting language that is interpreted into Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). It helps you keep your CSS organized and lets you create style sheets faster.
Server
A computer that provides information to other computers called clients.
Scratch
The block programming language developed by MIT. Scratch is a great first language for young coders. To build a program, all you need to do is click, drag, and drop blocks into place.
Recommended: Should my child start with Scratch or JavaScript or Python?
Scripting Language
Any language that doesn’t need to be compiled or interpreted. JavaScript is one example.
Scripts
Small programs that do limited steps. Scripts can be part of bigger programs.
Search Engine
Google, Bing, and Yahoo are search engines. They find websites and information based on keywords provided by the user.
Server
A computer that hosts websites and data. Servers store the information that other people can access on the internet.
Server-side
On the computer that hosts a website instead of on the user’s browser. Sites like WordPress use PHP on the server-side and JavaScript on the client (user) side.
Source Code
The code written by programmers becomes software. First, the source code has to get translated into machine code by a compiler.
Source Data
The main location where data is used in a program. Source data can be from a database, spreadsheet, or hard-coded. The program can retrieve the data from this source then use it.
Spam
A system used to send multiple unsolicited messages.
Sprint
A period of several days during which a software team works on specific tasks. For each sprint, every member of the team has a certain amount of work to get done.
Sprites
A character or a moving object in a computer game. Sprites respond to button presses, clicks, or other user input.
SQL (Structured Query Language)
The most popular programming language for adding and retrieving information from a relational database.
Stack
Several programs used to build apps for the web or mobile devices. Example stacks are LAMP, WAMP, and MEAN.
Stack Memory
Place in the computer’s RAM that is used to store variables created by a function or procedure.
Recommended: What is Stack Memory?
Statement
An instruction to a computer written in code. Statements can include text, numbers, and symbols.
Swift
A general purpose programming language to develop applications on all Apple platforms.
Swype
A virtual keyboard for touch screens, tablets, and smartphones
Syntax
The structure of a language. The rules that state in what order words must appear. Each programming language has its own syntax.
T
Teaching Language
The language used in a programming course. For young learners, block languages like Scratch are common. In many courses, Python is the chosen teaching language.
Tensor Flow
A library built by Google for creating neural networks. Tensor flow is open-source.
Terminal
Mac’s text-based user interface. In the terminal, users can open files and folders, move things around, and do many other things.
Token
One word, symbol, or operator in a computer program. A plus sign is a token. In most languages, the word “function” is too.
Training
In machine learning, programs need training. To train a program, you give it as much data as possible. Usually, the more data the better.
U
Unix
A portable operating system based on the original AT&T Unix; it describes a family of Unix based operating systems today.
URL (Universal Resource Locator)
The text you type into your browser to get to a website. URL stands for Universal Resource Locator.
Usability Testing
The process of observing users to make sure your software works as they expect. Usable software is easy for people to work with.
User Experience (UX) Design
The design of interactions between a user and a product. The process of making something fun and easy to use. UX isn’t just for software, but that’s where it started.
User Interface (UI) Design
The process of creating the visual parts of a computer program. This includes the buttons, colors, and icons.
Username
A nickname that you type in when you want to enter a certain website or application.
V
Variable
A container that holds a value, such as a piece of text or a number. The value can change, which is why it’s stored in a variable.
Variable Types
The kind of information a variable can hold. Strings, ints, and lists are variable types in Python.
Version Control
Software that lets coders save several versions of their code. This prevents previous work from getting deleted or lost. It also helps programmers keep track of changes.
Virus
A software written to damage or steal or infect other programs and applications in some way.
Recommended: Ethical Hacking & Cyber Security for Juniors
W
Web
An old programming language or this word is used to refer to the Internet itself or to refer to a complex connection of systems
Website
Several web pages that are linked together and stored on the same server.
While Loop
A bit of code that runs over and over as long as some condition is true. For example, a loop might run while a certain number is less than 6 and stop once it reaches 6.
Whiteboarding
The process of brainstorming collaboratively in person or virtually. Ideas on code, pseudocode, or charts are organized on a physical whiteboard or virtual tool representing a whiteboard.
Wi-Fi
A way to send and retrieve data without wires. Wi-Fi uses radio waves to transfer information.
WYSIWYG
Signifies software that can be edited to exactly resemble the same in output. It is the acronym for “What You See Is What You Get”.
X
Xcode
An IDE from Apple for developers who want to build software for Apple devices.
XML
A markup language that looks similar to HTML and controls the way information shows up on a screen. But XML files also work outside of web browsers.
Y2K
Also known as the “millennium bug”. The flaw, faced by computer programmers and users all over the world on January 1, 2000.
Yoke
A yoke is a hardware input device used with computer games
Zettabyte
A zettabyte is read as the 2 to the 70th power bytes or trillion gigabytes
Zip File
a file format that can contain multiple files combined and compressed into one file.
Zip Bomb
A zip bomb is a compressed file that consumes a massive amount of storage space when decompressed.
Zone File
The zone file contains mappings between domain names and IP addresses
Hope this is a useful reference, thank you.
You may like to read: Why Should Kids Learn Robotics?, 10 Games for kids to code in Scratch, & What is Coding for Kids?
