AQA GCSE Computer Science key terms

The name used to identify a program item, such as a variable, record type or field.

The dimensions of a bitmap, expressed as width × height in pixels.

Internet Message Access Protocol: a protocol used to access and manage email stored on a mail server, retaining messages on the server for access from different devices.

A particular way of putting a plan into practice. A computer program is an implementation of an algorithm.

A range that includes both its lower and upper limits.

Repetition controlled by a Boolean condition rather than a specified number of repetitions.

Checking that a person or message is genuine using contact details obtained separately from the suspicious communication.

A number identifying an element’s position in a data structure such as an array.

A loop that continues indefinitely because its stopping condition is never reached.

A selection structure or loop contained within another structure.

A value supplied to a computer program so that it can be processed.

An SQL command that adds a new record to a specified database table.

Creating a particular instance of a defined type, such as creating a Car record containing one car's details.

A command that tells the CPU which operation to carry out.

The collection of instructions that a processor can recognise and execute.

A whole number with no fractional part, such as 0, 3 or −2.

An operation that returns the integer quotient of a division. For example, 11 DIV 2 gives 5.

Unwanted signals that disrupt communication.

The output of a gate within a circuit before the circuit’s final output is reached.

The output of a gate within a circuit, calculated before the final output and often recorded in its own truth-table column.

The output of one gate that becomes an input to another gate within a logic circuit.

A penetration test in which the tester has knowledge of the target system and possibly basic credentials, simulating an attack by a malicious insider.

The layer of the TCP/IP model responsible for addressing data and routing packets across networks.

A program that executes high-level source code statement by statement, calling pre-compiled machine-code subroutines rather than directly generating a machine-code executable.

The coordination of communication between software and input/output devices by the operating system.

Internet Protocol: a protocol that provides addressing and routing so packets can be directed towards their destination across networks.

An address used to identify a device on an IP network so that packets can be directed towards it.