Table of Contents
Vocab
Abstraction
The most fundamental idea in computer science, giving a name to something in a program to make it more readable.Procedural abstraction
Using a procedure to name an idea, ex. the procedure "who" to the idea of picking an item from the list of people or cats.script
a bunch of blocks clicked together is called a scriptsprites and costumes
sprites are puppets for code. costumes are images worn by sprites.Transparency
how much you can see of a image (can be either very faded or very apparent)List
an ordered sequence of items made of stringsstring
a sequence of characters (letters, digits, punctuation, etc.) - substring: just extra existing stringConcatenation
To concatenate strings means to make a bigger string by connecting two or more smaller strings.debugging
the process of testing, finding problems, and fixing them is called debugging.procedure
named sequence of instructions that may take inputs and may report a value. Some languages call procedures methods or functionsexpression
An expression is a either a constant value (such as "4" or "winter") or a call to a reporter block including its inputsparameter
A parameter (or formal parameter) is the input name, such as number of branches. The input name is set in the block definition. It never changes.argument
An argument (or actual argument) is the input value, The input value is given each time the block is run; it can be a different value each time.Important Blocks
broadcast
Sends a message to all the sprites. To set the message, click the down arrow and select "new..."when I receive
(Click help on the block to learned more about it in order to complete this definition)commands
have a jigsaw shape, they tell the computer what to do without reporting a value.reporters
reporters have an oval shape and report a value.algorithm
a sequence of steps that are usually performed by a computer. The algorithm doesn't have to be written in any particular programming language or even in a programming language at all; you can write your algorithm in English or any other human language.pseudocode
Some people call an algorithm written in human language pseudocode.AP CSP Vocabulary
Algorithm
**Definition:** A finite set of instructions used to accomplish a task. **In My Own Words:** algorithm is when a certain amount of set of instructions used to finish a task. **Example:** ``` { The instructions that move a robot into its final position } ```Sequencing
**Definition:** Statements execute in an order they appear unless the flow of control changes. **In My Own Words:** statements played in the order they are in unless the flow of control changes in the program. **Example:** ``` { ROTATE_LEFT() followed by MOVE_FOWARD() } ```Selection
**Definition:** Uses a condition to determine which part of a program is executed. **In My Own Words:** selection uses a condition to see what part of the program it applies to. **Example:** ``` { IF (x < 3) } ```Iteration
**Definition:** Repeating a set of instructions in an Algorithm. **In My Own Words:** iteration is when a program does the same batch of steps a certain amount of time instead of repeating them forever **Example:** ``` REPEAT 3 TIMES { MOVE_FORWARD() } ``` This repeats MOVE_FORWARD() three times.Variable
**Definition:** A named value that can change while a program runs. **In My Own Words:** Variable is a labeled value that can change while a program runs **example:** ```{I}``` in ```{i=3}``` This shows i's given valueAssignment
**Definition:** Stores a value in a variable. **In My Own Words:** stores a value in variable. **Example:** ``` { i=3 } ```Expression
**Definition:** a combination of values, variables, and operators that evaluates to a value. **In My Own Words:** a bunch of values, variables, and operators that processes to a value. **Example:** ``` { i-1 } ```Condition
**Definition:** An expression that evaluates to either ```{true}``` or ```{false}```. **In My Own Words:** condition can either mean ```{true}``` or ```{false}``` or **Example:** ``` { x < 3 } ```Boolean
**Definition:** A value that is either ```{true}``` or ```{false}```. **In My Own Words:** a value that can be either true or false. **Example:** The result of ```{x <_ 1}```Relation Operator
**Definition: Compares two values and produces a Boolean result. **In My Own Words:** compares two values and makes a boolean outcome. **Example:** ``` { <,>,<_,>_,=,=/ } ```Procedure
**Definition:** A named group of programming instructions that performs a task. **In My Own Words:** when a named group of programming instructions does a task. **Example:** ``` { PROCEDURE FancyMove(x) } ```Procedure Call
**Definition:** Tells the program to execute a procedure. **In My Own Words:** procedure call means to tell a program to do a procedure. **Example:** ``` { FancyMove(i) } ```Parameter
**Definition:** A variable in a procedure definition that receives a value when the procedure is called. **In My Own Words:** parameter is an empty slot for a specific value. **Example:** ```{x}``` in ```{PROCEDURE FancyMove(x)}```Argument
**Definition:** The actual value or variable supplied to a procedure when the procedure is called. **In My Own Words:** the value or variable in a given to a procedure when the procedure is called. **Example:** ```{I}``` in ```{FancyMove(i)}```Flow of Control
**Definition:** The order in which statements in a program are executed **In My Own Words:** the exact order of how statements in a program are played. **Example:** An ```{IF}``` determines which branch runs.Nested Selection
**Definition:** A selection statement contained inside another selection statement **In My Own Words:** a selection statement in another selection statement **Example:** An ```{if}``` inside of an ```{ELSE}``` block.Nested Iteration
**Definition:** an iteration statement inside another iteration statement **In My Own Words:** a repeat in another repeat. **Example:** ```{REPEAT i TIMES}``` inside ```{REPEAT 3 TIMES}```On the AP Exam
- Many languages (and the AP CS Principles Exam) use return instead of report as the name of the command to give a value back at the end of a function call.
- The exam uses “value of a procedure” to mean the value the procedure returns when called. For example, “the value of double(5)” means 10.
Lab 1, Click Alonzo
Lab 2, Gossip
Lab 3, Modern Art with Polygons
Headings
When to use: Organize your notebook into sections (like days, topics, or projects).
-
#for the notebook title (use once at the top). -
##for each day or major topic. -
###for subsections (like “Notes”, “Practice”, “Reflections”).
Example:
My Coding Notebook
Day 1
Notes
Practice
Text Formatting
When to use: Highlight important ideas or add emphasis.
Use bold for key terms or definitions.
Use italic for emphasis or side comments.
Use inline code for keywords, functions, or commands.
Example:
Class = a blueprint for objects
Remember: always test your code
Use System.out.println() to print
Code Blocks
When to use: Anytime you write multiple lines of code.
Inline code for short snippets.
Fenced code blocks with language for full examples.
Example:
public class Hello {
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println("Hello World!");
}
}
Lists
When to use: Organize steps, notes, or key points.
Numbered lists for sequences or steps.
Bulleted lists for unordered ideas.
Example:
Define the class Write the main method Test your program Variables
-
Loops
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Conditionals
Checklists
When to use: Track progress on assignments or tasks.
Example:
[x] Complete coding warm-up
-
Finish project draft
-
Reflect on learning
Blockquotes
When to use: Call out notes, reminders, or teacher comments.
Example:
💡 Remember: Loops repeat code until a condition is false.
Tables
When to use: Compare values, track progress, or organize data neatly.
Example:
| Task | Status | Notes |
|————–|————|—————–|
| Homework 1 | Done # | Submitted |
| Homework 2 | Pending | Needs review |
Links & Images
When to use: Add references, resources, or visuals.
Example:
To make an image that is a link, paste the image, then add the following before it, replacing website address with the link:
And after the image info, add: </a>
Collapsible Sections
When to use: Hide solutions, extended notes, or extra details.
Example:
Click to reveal solution
System.out.println("Answer: 42");Footnotes
When to use: Add references or side notes without cluttering the page.
Example:
This concept is related to object-oriented programming.1
Style Rules
Consistency matters more than creativity
Always use headings to structure your notes.
Always use code blocks for multi-line code.
Clarity first
Bold key terms.
Use lists instead of long sentences when outlining steps.
Professional tone
Don’t mix casual notes with formal work in the same section.
Use blockquotes for reflections or teacher feedback.
Track your learning
Use checklists to mark what’s done.
Use collapsible sections if you want to hide answers until review time.
Bottom Line:
Headings = Structure
Bold/Italic = Emphasis
Code blocks = Code
Lists = Steps/Ideas
Tables = Organization
Checklists = Progress
Blockquotes = Notes/Tips
Collapsible = Hide/Show detail
Keep it simple, consistent, and clear.
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See “Objects and Classes” in your textbook. ↩