AP CSP - Algorithms & Problem Solving vocab

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Abstraction

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Simplifying complex systems by focusing on the main idea—lists and procedures are examples of this.

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Algorithm

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A step-by-step procedure or set of rules designed to perform a task or solve a problem.

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API (Application Programming Interface)

Back

A library of procedures and a description of how to call each procedure.

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Binary Search

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An algorithm that searches a sorted list for a value by repeatedly splitting the list in half.

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Computational Thinking

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A problem-solving process that includes logical analysis, algorithmic thinking, pattern recognition, and abstraction.

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Flowchart

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A diagram representing the sequence of steps and decisions in a process or algorithm.

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Heuristic

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A problem-solving method that uses an approximate solution or shortcut when finding the exact solution is impractical.

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Iteration

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The repetition of steps in an algorithm or program for a certain amount of times or until a condition is met.

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Library

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A collection of procedures useful in creating programs.

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Linear Search

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An algorithm that iterates through each item in a list until it finds the target value.