Term | Definition |
programming language | A set of coding specifications used by programmers to create a program. |
coding | The act of writing source code. |
syntax | The structure of a programming language. |
syntax error | A mistake in the way programming elements are written. |
programming language generation | A type or group of programming languages developed at the same time, in a particular chronological order. |
variable | A data value stored in computer memory and then substituted for a placeholder in a computer code instruction. It can be anything a programmer wants to keep and work with, such as a name, a number, or a status indicator such as yes/no. |
executable statement | A programming instruction that, when run by a program, performs an action and then proceeds to the next statement in the sequence. |
looping | A programming construct that enables a program to return to a previously executed instruction and repeat it. |
decision statement | A point in computer code execution where different actions may be performed depending on specific conditions. |
if-then statement | A logical statement that enables a program to perform differently depending on whether the condition has been met. |
divide-and-conquer approach | A technique for solving problems that breaks down a large problem into several small problems. Programmers tackle one small piece of the problem at a time. |
top-down design | A method of software development in which programmers start at the top and work their way down to the bottom. The process can be documented using an outline format, or in a hierarchy chart. |
algorithm | A complete list of steps for solving a problem. |
pseudocode | A very high level, human-language description of each step of an algorithm, useful for organizing the way the programmer will approach the programming. |
prototyping | Creating a small, semifunctional version of the solution to see if and how it works. |