20 Information Technology / Computer Science terms
Hi! My name is Maliha Mamun, and I’m 19 years old. I’ve been studying at Ahuntsic College for two years. I first entered the Springboard program because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study at the time. Later, I chose to pursue Computer Science. I completed my first year in this program during the winter session, and so far, the experience has been amazing!
However, I’ve realized that the field includes many technical terms that can be confusing for anyone interested, especially for newcomers. I created this glossary, containing 20 terms, to help others understand key concepts in computer science more easily. I also included audio files to help with pronunciation and added pictures to make the terms clearer.
array
noun
The container of objects that holds a fixed number of values of a single type. It is the fundamental data structure used to store collections of elements.
Example: Use an array to store all the teachers' names.
en: tableau
binary
noun / adjective
A number represented using only two digits, typically 0 and 1
Example: CPU's code is written in binary.
en: binaire
boolean
noun / adjective
A binary variable, having two possible values called “true” and “false.”.
Example: This function returns a Boolean value to indicate success or failure.
en: booléenne
class
noun
A template or blueprint for creating objects within object-oriented programming (OOP).
Example: Create a new class for storing information about books in the library system.
en: classe
Domain Name System (DNS)
noun
The internet's phone book, translating human-friendly domain names.
Example: 8.8.8.8 is the IP address of Google.com.
en: Système de noms de domaine (DNS)
exception
noun
It handles unexpected events or errors that occur during program execution, disrupting the normal flow.
Example: The program caught an exception when a letter was entered instead of a number by the user.
en: exception
hardware
noun
The machines, wiring, and other physical components of a computer or other electronic system.
Example: The Tiptree system used client-server architecture as data distribution is straightforward, it makes effective use of networked systems and therefore requires cheaper hardware, and it is easy to upgrade or replace servers.
en: matériel
hexadecimal
noun / adjective
A system of numerical notation that has 16 rather than 10 as its base.
Example: The IPv6 uses a hexadecimal numbering system to represent the 128-bit IP addresses.
en: hexadécimale
Local Area Network (LAN)
noun
A network that connects devices within a limited geographic area, such as a home, office, or school.
Example: The school's computers are connected through a local area network (LAN).
en: réseau local
loop
noun
A control flow statement that allows a block of code to be executed repeatedly until a specific condition is met, or until the loop is explicitly terminated.
Example: He added a for loop to process each item in the list.
en: boucle
method
noun
A named block of code that performs a specific task, often within the context of an object or class in object-oriented programming.
Example: Use the SystemOutPrint() method to display the user's input.
en: méthode
motherboard
noun
The main printed circuit board in a computer.
Example: The motherboard seems to be damaged. Call a technician to replace it with a new one.
en: carte mère
Operating System (OS)
noun
A foundational software that manages a computer's hardware and software resources, providing a user interface and enabling communication between them.
Example: The most popular OS are Windows, macOS, and Linux.
en: Système d'exploitation (SE)
polymorphism
noun
A core concept in object-oriented programming (OOP) that allows objects of different types to be treated as objects of a common superclass.
Example: Use the object Animal() and not Dog() when creating a new array because Animal() is the superclass of Dog().
en: polymorphisme
router
noun
A device that forwards data packets to the appropriate parts of a computer network.
Example: A router connects your home network to the internet.
en: routeur
software
noun
Programs and other operating information used by a computer.
Example: Microsoft Word is a software program used for writing and editing documents.
en: logiciel
Unified Modeling Language (UML)
A standardized, visual language used to model and design software systems.
Example: Use the UML to create every class required for this program.
en: Langage de modélisation unifié (UML)
variable
noun
A data item that may take on more than one value during the run time of a program.
Example: You need to declare a variable to store the numbers entered by the users.
en: variable
Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN)
noun
A logical grouping of network devices that communicate as if they were on the same physical network, even though they may be physically separated.
Example: The restaurant uses different VLANs to separate employees and guests.
en: Réseau local virtuel (VLAN)
Wide Area Network (WAN)
noun
A network that connects computers and devices across a large geographic area, such as cities, states, or even countries.
Example: Every office uses a wide area network (WAN) to connect across the country.
