AQA GCSE Computer Science key terms

A subroutine that performs a task without returning a value.

Operations performed on data within an algorithm to produce the required result, such as calculations and comparisons.

A unit within a CPU that can fetch, decode and execute instructions independently.

A group of related processors that share a compatible instruction set.

The allocation and coordination of processor time between programs by the operating system.

An implementation of an algorithm written in a particular programming language, which can be translated into a form a computer can execute.

A language used to express instructions that a computer can carry out.

Software that translates or carries out instructions written in a programming language so that a processor can execute the program.

A message that tells a user what information to enter.

A set of rules governing how devices communicate.

A structured, text-based description of an algorithm that is not tied to the syntax of a particular programming language.

A number generated mathematically that appears random. Understanding the algorithm that generates it is not required for this topic.

Isolating a suspicious file so that it cannot run and cause harm while it is investigated or removed.

A request to a database, such as a request to retrieve particular fields from records that meet a condition.

The result of a division. In integer division, it is the whole-number result returned by DIV.

Random Access Memory: read/write main memory that holds programs and data currently in use. Its contents are lost when power is switched off.

Using a programming function to produce a number that can introduce unpredictability into a program.

A check that a value lies within specified lower and upper limits.

Malware that can encrypt files so they cannot be used, then demand payment to unlock them.

The ease with which a programmer can read and understand code.

A component that detects magnetisation to read data and changes magnetisation to write data.

A numeric data type that can represent numbers with a fractional part, such as 10.75. Programming languages may use names such as float or double.

Division that retains any fractional part of the result, rather than returning only an integer quotient.

A set of related data items stored as one row in a database table.

An extremely small, extremely fast storage location inside the CPU that temporarily holds data, instructions or addresses being used during processing.

A database that organises data into related tables, using keys to link their records.

An operator that compares two values and produces a Boolean result, either True or False.