Author: Mike Ware
Website: http://warebizprogramming.com
Copyright © 2003 Michael Shawn Ware, All Rights Reserved.
Definition Count: 37
** Dictionary is constantly expanding. Favorite it! **
[ A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z ]
A
array - homogeneous structure consisting of a collection of memory locations used to store data values all of the same type.
ASCII - (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) - system designed to associate character values with numerical values.
B [Back to Top]
binary search - (arrays) searching technique that ultimately divides an array into halves until a target value is found or the end of the array is reached without the finding the target.
bubble sort - (arrays) sorting technique that compares adjacent elements possibly swapping values while locking a value (either smallest or largest) into an undetermined back array position during each loop cycle.
buffer - temporary storage location used for input/output.
C [Back to Top]
class - In OOP, a collection of data members and routines (functions/procedures) joined together to form an object type.
constant - restriction placed on a variable so that its value cannot be modified during program execution.
D [Back to Top]
data type - set of values.
documentation - non-executable statements placed within program code used to describe the purpose of certain code segments.
driver program - a program whose sole purpose is to test one or more functions or procedures.
dynamic memory - memory allocated for a variable during program execution (run-time).
E [Back to Top]
explicit conversion - type conversion requested by the programmer; sometimes called typecasting
F [Back to Top]
function - a subprogram or module that performs some specific task and returns a value to the statement that called it; a (void) module which returns no value should be called a procedure.
function's signature - properties described by a prototype which include: return type, and number, order, and types of parameters.
H [Back to Top]
header file - file consisting of a collection of constants, types, procedures, and functions with an extension of .h.
I [Back to Top]
implicit conversion - type conversion that occurs without the programmer specifically asking for it.
input - data read by a program normally for accomplishing processing or program requirements.
L [Back to Top]
linear search - (arrays) sequential searching technique that evaluates each element in an array until a target value is found or the end of the array is reached without finding the target.
logical expressions - expressions that evaluate to a value of true (1) or false (0); sometimes called boolean expressions.
lvalue - represents a storage location that contains some type of value; location used to identify an object.
O [Back to Top]
output - results produced by a program.
overloading - also overriding, the definition of two or more functions or operators with the same identifier (form or polymorphism).
P [Back to Top]
pointer - derived data type that provides direct access to an address location of a variable within memory of a computer.
program - sequence of statements or instructions used to achieve a common goal or solve a problem.
R [Back to Top]
relational expressions - special type of logical expression in which some type of comparison is performed.
S [Back to Top]
selection sort - (arrays) sorting technique that will sequentially compare elements while locking a value (either smallest or largest) into an undetermined front array position during each loop cycle.
statement - command or instruction carried out by a computer's CPU (central processing unit).
string - structured data that can be thought of as an array of character values with an additional null terminator tagged at the end.
structure - heterogeneous structure used to store a collection of values possibly of different types; a structure's stored values, called members, are individually named, typed, and accessed.
symbolic constants - descriptive names given to values which will not change during program execution; this ultimately makes updating the value of the constant easier to accomplish in the future.
syntax - refers to the rules governing the formation of statements in a programming language.
T [Back to Top]
tool building - process of creating generic or portable functions and procedures that are capable of being used in other programs.
V [Back to Top]
variable - modifiable value that has an associated static memory location during program execution.
[Back to Top]