AP CSP Unit 1: The Creative Development Process

Collaboration

A fundamental requirement in computer science, defined as a driving force that helps create complex systems, reduce bias, and solve problems effectively.

Outcome Bias

A result that occurs when software only works for a specific group of people, which can be avoided by incorporating diverse perspectives.

Pair Programming

A specific collaborative model where two programmers work together, with one as the 'Driver' and the other as the 'Navigator'.

The Driver

The person in pair programming who writes the code and focuses on immediate syntax and structure.

The Navigator

The person in pair programming who observes the Driver, reviews code, and keeps track of the overall design.

Program Purpose

The problem that a program solves or the specific goal it achieves, answering the question 'Why does this exist?'

Program Function

The behavior of the program during execution, answering the question 'What does it actually do?'

Computing Innovation

Includes a program as an integral part of its function and generally follows the Input-Process-Output model.

Input-Process-Output Model

A framework for analyzing how computing innovations function, starting from data input, processing it, and outputting information.

Iteration

The process of refining the entire program repeatedly, involving design, testing, feedback, and revisions.

Incremental Development

Building a program by breaking it into smaller pieces and completing one feature before moving to the next.

Program Documentation

Written text that explains how a program works, how to use it, and acknowledges external code and assets.

Comments

Text inside the code meant for programmers, which is ignored by the computer; essential for collaborative understanding.

Syntax Errors

Violations of the programming language's grammar rules that prevent the code from running.

Runtime Errors

Errors that occur during execution, causing the program to crash.

Logic Errors

Errors where a program runs without crashing but produces incorrect results.

Overflow Errors

Errors that occur when calculations exceed the maximum value a computer can handle.

Hand Tracing

A debugging tool involving manually tracking variable values line-by-line.

Print Debugging

A debugging technique where temporary display statements are added to check variable values.

Visualizers

Software tools that visually represent memory states during program execution.

Purpose vs. Function Confusion

Mistake of confusing what a program achieves with what it does, leading to inaccurate descriptions.

Logic Error Confirmation

Detecting a logic error by realizing that if a program prints any output, it likely has no syntax errors.

Human Element in Collaboration

The understanding that collaboration is not only about speed but also about reducing bias.

Inputs Beyond Keyboards

Recognition that inputs also include sensor data, network packets, and other forms beyond traditional input devices.

Comment Execution Assumption

Mistake of thinking comments execute like code; they are ignored during program execution.

Debugging

The process of finding and fixing errors in code.

Flowcharts

Visual diagrams used in the design phase to represent processes and workflows.

Pseudocode

A method of representing code in a structured but informal manner to outline program logic.

Prototyping

Creating a rough draft or initial version of a program for testing and feedback.

Testing

The phase in program development focused on checking for errors and verifying functionality.

Refinement

The iterative process of improving a program based on testing and feedback.

Algorithm

A set of instructions or rules designed to solve a specific problem or task in programming.

Boolean Operators

Logical operators in programming (AND, OR) used to combine conditional statements.

Mutual Exclusivity

Concept where only one condition can apply at a time; important in flow control of a program.

Code Segments

Specific portions of code often reused or adapted by programmers in various projects.

Intellectual Property Compliance

The legal requirement to acknowledge the creators of any external code or media assets.

Keystrokes

Data input from pressing keys on a keyboard, considered as part of user input to a program.

Sensor Data

Input received from devices that measure physical properties, such as GPS or accelerometers.

Debugging Tools

Software and techniques used to identify and resolve errors in programming.

Data Modification

The changes made to input data during the processing phase of a program.

Output Information

The final result produced by a program after data processing, delivered back to the user.

User Needs Assessment

Identifying and understanding the requirements and needs of users during the investigation phase of development.

Development Life Cycle

The iterative and incremental process of creating software, including investigation, design, prototyping, testing, and refinement.