PLTW CSP Key Terms 1.1

A trigger from the user or from a program that causes a certain part of the program to execute.

A variable that counts in an arithmetic sequence, usually counting by ones starting at 0 or 1.

The most common framework for Agile Development.

Shows the ways that a program could progress from each state to other states.

Evaluates a Boolean expression and executes some code if the expression is true.

Plain-language description of a user’s need for the software under development.

Stores one item from a list at a time during iteration.

Keeps track of a best or worst and updates when a new record best or worst has been reached.

A step-by-step procedure, like a recipe, but often involving decisions.

Process of figuring out why code doesn’t behave as expected and removing bugs to make it work

The part of the computer that executes one instruction at a time.

Evaluates to either true or false; used in the conditional of an if- structure.

A list of small specific tasks to be completed in the scrum method of software development.

Stores a list of values built up over time and remembers separate individual values.

A piece of code that responds to an event.

Stores a value that will not change over the course of the entire program.

The parts of computer that can store data or instruction

A group of code that exists as an independent unit, which is easy to use with other code.

Software development: complete each stage of the design process before beginning the next.

The effect that a program has on its environment.

A prioritized list of user stories, showing short- and long- term goals of a development team.

Describes everything about how a program exists at a given time; a snapshot of a program.

Data that is used by a program.

Stores user input or stores information about a program’s state that changes unpredictably.

Instructions in a program.

One method of determining the strength of artificial intelligence.

Precise rules defining how the letters, words, and punctuation of a programming language work.

Variable type that maintains a running total.

An outline of the basic ideas behind how algorithms will work.

A graphics object that can be moved on top of or behind a background.

Expression in an if-structure that is evaluated to determine which branch of code to execute.

Information about a program or data file, including date created and author information.

Describe why a variable is being used in a program.

Stores whether a condition has been true yet.

A set of instructions grouped together to do something to or with an object.

Part of a program that causes an error or undesired output.

Repeating a step-by-step procedure several times.

Provides a developer with a way to create, run, and debug the program all in one application.

To run a program or a single instruction.

Software development that emphasizes frequent client input to produce better end products.