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Free flashcards to ace your AP - AP Computer Science Principles
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AP Computer Science Principles
43 flashcards
A data structure is a particular way of organizing and storing data in a computer so that it can be accessed and modified efficiently.
Computational thinking is a problem-solving process that includes breaking down complex problems into smaller parts, looking for patterns, abstracting and modeling the essential details to make problems tractable.
The four core principles of computational thinking are: decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithms.
Decomposition is the process of breaking down a complex problem or system into smaller, more manageable parts.
Pattern recognition involves observing patterns, trends, and regularities in data and using those to define solutions and algorithms.
Abstraction is the process of focusing only on the essential details of an object, system or problem, while ignoring irrelevant details.
An algorithm is a series of step-by-step instructions or rules that are followed to solve a problem or complete a task.
The characteristics of a good algorithm are: clear and unambiguous, input/output defined, finite, effective, and efficient.
Iteration is the repetition of a set of instructions using a loop. Recursion is when a function calls itself with a simpler version of the original problem.
Pseudocode is an informal, English-like description of the operating principle of a computer program or algorithm that uses the structural conventions of a programming language.
Examples of linear data structures include arrays, linked lists, stacks, and queues.
Examples of non-linear data structures include trees (binary, AVL, B-trees) and graphs.
A tree is a hierarchical data structure where data is organized in nodes, with a root value and sub-trees of children with a parent node.
The main operations of a binary search tree are: search, insert, delete, find minimum and maximum values.
Big O notation describes the time complexity or performance of an algorithm by expressing the number of operations an algorithm will require in relation to the input size.
O(n) means the algorithm's time complexity grows linearly with input size n. O(1) means the algorithm always takes a constant amount of time, regardless of input size.
An efficient algorithm minimizes the use of computational resources like time and space in relation to the size of the input.
Common ways to measure algorithm efficiency are time complexity using Big O notation, space complexity, and benchmarking/empirical analysis.
Modeling and simulation allow the study of real-world systems, situations, or processes by creating simplified representations or models before implementation.
A model is a representation of a system, while a simulation executes the model over time to analyze how the system would behave and what outputs it would generate.
Data compression is the process of modifying data to reduce its size for more efficient storage or transmission. It's important to save storage space and speed up data transfer.
Lossy compression reduces file size by permanently removing data. Lossless compression reduces size by identifying patterns and makes the process reversible.
Binary representation of data uses only two digits, 0 and 1, to represent and transmit all data in computing systems.
Binary allows computers to efficiently store, transmit, and process data using electrical circuits with on/off states. It simplifies computational logic.
One byte is equal to 8 bits.
Bit stands for 'binary digit' and is the smallest unit of data in computing, with only two possible values of 0 or 1.
A programming language is an artificial language designed to produce programs that can be executed by computers to perform specific operations or tasks.
Low-level languages like assembly are closer to machine code. High-level languages like Python use more natural language elements and get translated to machine code.
Examples of popular high-level programming languages include Python, Java, C++, C#, JavaScript, Ruby, and Swift.
An IDE provides a software environment with tools to help programmers write, test, debug and deploy code in an efficient manner.
Popular IDEs include Visual Studio Code, PyCharm, Android Studio, Xcode, Eclipse, NetBeans, and IntelliJ IDEA.
Version control is a system that tracks changes to files over time so you can review, revert, and manage different versions of code. It's vital for team collaboration.
Git is a widely used distributed version control system that helps track changes in source code and enables multiple developers to collaborate on projects effectively.
The Internet is the global system of computer networks. The World Wide Web is an application running on the Internet that displays multimedia pages connected by hyperlinks.
Client-server refers to a computing model where clients (devices) request services or resources from a centralized server.
Protocols are sets of rules that define standards for how data is transmitted across networks and the Internet to enable effective communication.
Common examples of network protocols include TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS, SSL/TLS.
Cybersecurity concerns include malware, viruses, unauthorized access, data breaches, phishing, denial of service attacks, and compromised personal information.
Best practices include use of strong passwords, updating software, firewalls, encryption, avoiding suspicious links/attachments, and being cautious about sharing personal info.
Examples of emerging innovations include machine learning, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, quantum computing, blockchain, augmented/virtual reality, 5G networks.
Computing and data analytics enable modeling complex scenarios, processing big data, pattern recognition, predictions, simulations, optimization and automation to address issues across fields.
Ethical concerns involve data privacy, algorithmic bias, intellectual property, security, environmental impact, and ensuring equitable access without discrimination.
Laws and regulations around computing aim to protect data privacy, address cybersecurity, prevent illegal activities online, ensure fair business practices, and promote ethical use of technology.