Keywords and Definitions for Programming
variableA name/symbol which represents a value in a program. The value can be changed as the program runs.
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constantA value that does not change (while the program is running).
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array Similar to a ‘list’ in Python – several variables stored under one name. An array has a data type such as string, integer or a real number (a number with a fractional part, such as 1.75).
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selectionA condition is used to decide whether code should be executed. For example:
If KeyPressed = PlayerKey Then Position = Position + 1 Line 2 is only run if the IF condition is met. |
incrementTo increase the numerical value of a variable. For example:
i=i+1 will increase the value of the variable i by 1 |
iterationCode is executed repeatedly. For example:
REPEAT VAR=VAR+1 UNTIL VAR=5 The code in the repeat loop will be run several times (until VAR is equal to 5). |
initialiseAssign a starting value to a variable. For example:
i=0 This will assign a starting value of 0 to a variable called i. |
assemblerTranslates mnemonics (used in low-level assembly language) into machine code.
Mnemonics are used to help humans understand the instructions. An example of a mnemonic is INP which represents the instruction INPUT. |
translator/compilerConverts high-level code into machine code (binary instructions) before running the code all at once.
interpreterAs above but code is converted and run one instruction at a time.
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