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Algorithm
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is a set of specific steps that solves a problem or carries out a task.
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Assembler
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is a utility program that converts assembly language into machine language that the computer then can use to run software.
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Assembly language
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is a machine-dependent, low-level language that uses words instead of binary numbers to program a specific computer system. Programmers can use words like start or abbreviations like mov (move) to tell the computer what to do.
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Backdoor
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is an undocumented method a programmer uses to gain access to a program or a computer.
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Bug
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is a common name for a software error.
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Case control structure
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tests a condition that can result in more than a true or false answer. For example, you might need to determine shipping costs based on an item's weight.
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Client-side Web programming language
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employs users' Web browsers to add interactivity and new functions to Web pages.
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COBOL
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stands for Common Business Oriented Language and works best for business applications on mainframe computers. It's the most common programming language in the world.
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Coding
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is when you translate your algorithm into a programming language.
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Comment
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is an explanation that tells other programmers what's happening in software code. The computer ignores the comment when it runs the code.
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Compiler
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simultaneously translates high-level programming languages into machine language. In other words, your 3GL or 4GL is completely translated into machine language all at once.
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Computer aided software engineering (CASE) tool
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is a software application that helps prepare reports, draw program flowcharts, and generate software code for prototypes.
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Control structure
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specifies the order in which a computer will execute each line of software code.
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Counter
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is a numerical value that tracks the number of iterations in a software code.
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Debugging
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is the process of finding errors in software code.
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Documentation
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is a collection of instructions and explanations relevant to a piece of software.
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Do-until control structure
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repeats a portion of a software code as long as a certain condition doesn't exist.
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Do-while control structure
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repeats a portion of software code as long as a certain condition exists.
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Dynamic HTML (DHTML)
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combines CSS, JavaScript, specific tag extensions, and other markup languages to bring high interactivity to Web sites.
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Event-driven language
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responds to actions users perform on the program. It's an event when you click on a button, use a pull-down menu, or scroll down a window.
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eXtensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML)
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combines the formatting power of HTML with the strict syntax of XML and allows users to access a Web site from almost any Internet device.
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For-next control structure
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repeats a portion of software code a precise number of times. It uses a counter to check the condition.
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Fourth-generation language (4GL)
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is a machine-independent, high-level nonprocedural language that uses human words and symbols to program diverse computer systems.
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High-level language
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allows programmers to use words and symbols closer to human language to code software.
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If-then-else control structure
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tests a condition in software code that results in a true or false.
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Input
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is information that comes from an external source and enters into a piece of software.
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Input-process-output (IPO) table
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shows what information a piece of software takes in, how it processes information, and what information it produces.
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Interpreter
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translates one line of source code into object code at a time. In other words, the computer translates a line of source code into object code, then executes it, then goes to the next line of code and repeats the process.
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Iteration control (loop)
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is another word for repetition control structure. It instructs a piece of software to repeat a series of instructions until it fulfills a condition or while a condition exists.
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Logic error
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is a mistake in the way an algorithm solves a problem.
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Low-level language
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requires programmers to code at a basic level that a computer can understand.
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Machine-dependant language
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is a programming language that works only on a specific computer system and its components.
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Machine-independent language
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is a programming language that works on different computer systems regardless of their components.
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Machine language
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is a machine-dependent, low-level language that uses binary code to interact with a specific computer system.
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Macro
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is a scripting language program that executes a task or set of tasks within a software application.
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Markup language
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contains sets of specific keywords that use syntax to instruct Web browsers to work with information.
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Meta tag
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provides information to search engines about your Web site.
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Natural language
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is a human language that can program a computer. For example, a natural language command might be: TELL me the NAME, ADDRESS, and PHONE number for EVERYONE who bought a car BEFORE 1995.
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Nonprocedural language
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requires that a programmer write a code to tell the software only what it should accomplish.
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Object
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is an item that contains information and procedures that can be used in a software program.
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Object code
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is the machine language the computer uses to run your program.
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Object instance
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is an exact copy of an object in object-oriented programming.
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Object-oriented programming (OOP)
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is any programming language that uses objects to code software.
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Output
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is the information a piece of software produces after it has processed input. Output can appear on a computer screen, in a printout, or in records in a database.
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Portability
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is when a programming language has the ability to work on a variety of computer hardware and operating systems.
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Procedural language
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requires that a programmer write code to tell software what to accomplish and how to accomplish it. If you wanted to create software to get a sum of numbers you'd have to tell the software what you wanted (a sum of numbers) and then how to accomplish it (add the numbers together).
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Procedure
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is an instruction that manipulates an object's information.
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Processing
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manages information according to a piece of software's logic. In other words, processing is what the software does to the input it receives.
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Program flowchart
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is a graphical depiction of the detailed steps that a piece of software will perform.
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Program manual
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is a technical manual for programmers. It contains a problem/opportunity statement, algorithms, flowcharts, and copies of older versions of the code.
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Programming language
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contains specific rules and words that express the logical steps of an algorithm.
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Pseudocode
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uses English statements to create an outline of the necessary steps for a piece of software to operate.
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Rapid application development (RAD)
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uses prototypes to test software components until they meet specifications.
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Repetition control structure
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instructs a piece of software to repeat a series of instructions until it fulfills a condition or while a condition exists.
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Reserved word
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is a word that a programming language has set aside for its own use. For example, Dim is a reserved word that Visual Basic uses to create a variable.
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Run-time error
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is a mistake that occurs when you run a software code.
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Scripting language
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is an interpreted programming language that works within another application to perform tasks.
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Selection control structure
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uses an existing condition to decide how a computer will execute software code.
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Sequence control structure
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makes sure that a computer executes software code from top to bottom, left to right.
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Sequential execution
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is when a computer performs each line of software code in the order it appears.
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Server-side Web programming
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uses Web server resources to retrieve information, process information, and output customized Web pages.
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Software development environment
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is an application that provides programming tools to debug and manage software programs.
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Software patch
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is a small fix to a problem using a piece of software code.
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Software upgrade
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is a substantial revision of existing software to improve its usefulness.
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Source code
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contains all the commands and comments a programmer used to code the software.
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Syntax
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is a set of rules to follow.
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Syntax error
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is a mistake in a software code's grammar.
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Technical writer
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explains concepts and procedures to non-technical software users.
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Third generation language (3GL)
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is a machine-independent, high-level procedural language that uses human words and symbols to program diverse computer systems.
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User manual
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tells users how to use a software program.
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VBScript
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is an interpreted scripting language based on Visual Basic. It is similar to JavaScript but only Microsoft's Internet Explorer Web browser can use it.
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Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)
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is an interpreted scripting language that works within Microsoft Office applications. For example, you can use VBA in Microsoft Excel to create a payroll spreadsheet macro.
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2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education