Computer Science key terms

An operation that finishes access to a file, completes any pending writes and releases the resources used to access it.

Remote provision of services, such as storage, software and processing, using servers accessed over the Internet.

The number of bits used to represent the colour of each pixel. A depth of $d$ bits allows up to $2^d$ different colours.

An interface through which a user gives instructions by typing text-based commands.

An explanatory note within source code that is ignored when the program runs.

A set of rules for transferring data between devices on a network.

An operator that compares values and produces a Boolean result: true or false.

The ability of hardware or software to work together.

Software that translates the whole source program before execution and can produce a separate executable file.

The process of reducing the size of a digital file.

An approach to solving problems by identifying essential features, breaking problems into manageable parts and developing precise instructions that can be implemented by a computer.

UK legislation that prohibits unauthorised access to computer material and other forms of computer misuse.

Two or more connected devices that can communicate and share data and resources, such as files, printers or an internet connection.

An agreed set of rules or guidelines for an area of computing that enables hardware or software made by different producers to work together.

Joining two or more strings together to form a single string.

An expression that evaluates to true or false and can control a decision or a loop.

A loop whose repetition is controlled by whether a condition is true or false.

A named value intended to remain fixed while a program runs.

The order in which a program's statements are executed.

The CPU component that decodes instructions and sends control signals to coordinate processing and the movement of data.

Automatic legal protection for qualifying original work, giving its owner control over actions such as copying, distribution and adaptation.

UK legislation that protects creators’ intellectual property, including copyright in software, photographs, music and films.

A program’s ability to produce the intended results for valid inputs.

The cost of storage for each gigabyte of capacity, allowing devices of different capacities to be compared.

A loop whose number of repetitions is determined by a count.

The central processing unit: the processor that executes program instructions and processes data.

An issue involving how technology affects society’s ways of life, values, traditions and beliefs.

Values that a computer stores or processes, such as numbers or information about a button press.

Software that reduces file size so that files require less storage space and less data needs to be transmitted.

Unauthorised capture of data while it is being transmitted across a network.