Computer Science Glossary

25 Computer Science and programming terms

Helps you get to know some computer science–related vocabulary.

algorithm
noun
A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer.
Example: The social media platform uses a complex algorithm to determine which posts appear in a user's news feed.
en: algorithme
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CLIA_Decision_Algorithm_for_Laboratory_Citations.png
array
noun
A data structure that stores a collection of elements, usually of the same data type, in a contiguous block of memory.
Example: The array contains all the exam scores of the students.
en: tableau
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Phased_array_antenna_system.svg
bandwidth
noun
The amount of data that can be transmitted over a network or communication channel in a given period of time, usually measured in bits per second.
Example: The amount of data that can be transmitted over a network or communication channel in a given period of time, usually measured in bits per second.
en: bande passante
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ItWikiCon_2020_streaming_bandwidth.jpg
boolean
noun
A data type that has only two possible values: true or false.
Example: The boolean value indicates whether the user is logged in or not.
en: booléen
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Diagram_Explaining_Boolean_Operators.png
browser
noun
A computer program with a graphical user interface for displaying and navigating between web pages.
Example: Clicking on this link will open a new browser window.
en: navigateur
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Firefox_Browser_%E2%80%93_Aurora_About-logo.svg
bug
noun verb
An error in a computer program or system.
Example: The developers are working to fix a bug in the software.
en: bogue
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Emacs-29.0.50_orgmode-9.5.2_firefox-91.6.0esr-DejaVu-Sans-svg-css-bug-02.png
compiler
noun
A program that converts instructions into a machine-code or lower-level form so that they can be read and executed by a computer.
Example: The software engineer used a compiler to turn the C++ code into an executable file.
en: compilateur
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/compiler-design/introduction-of-compiler-design/
cybersecurity
noun
The state of being protected against the criminal or unauthorized use of electronic data, or the measures taken to achieve this.
Example: The company hired an expert in cybersecurity to protect their sensitive data from hackers.
en: cybersécurité
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cybersecurity_Operations_at_Port_San_Antonio.jpg
data
noun
Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.
Example: All of the company's financial data was securely backed up.
en: données
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wikidata_in_the_Linked_Open_Data_cloud_2020-08-20.jpg
database
noun
A structured set of data held in a computer, especially one that is accessible in various ways.
Example: We need to enter all new employee information into the company database.
en: base de données
https://www.toptal.com/developers/database/database-design-bad-practices
encryption
noun
The process of converting information or data into a code, especially to prevent unauthorized access.
Example: Without proper encryption, your personal emails could be intercepted and read by anyone.
en: cryptage
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:End-to-End_Encryption_Image.png
firewall
noun
A part of a computer system or network which is designed to block unauthorized access while permitting outward communication.
Example: The computer's firewall stopped a hacker from entering.
en: pare-feu
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Firewall.png
hack
verb
Use a computer to gain unauthorized access to data in a system.
Example: They hacked into the bank's computer.
en: hacker, pirater
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-36585930
hardware
noun
The machines, wiring, and other physical components of a computer or other electronic system.
Example: Hardware issues can slow down the system.
en: matériel
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2014_Modding_komputera_01.jpg
integer
noun
A whole number that can be positive, negative, or zero, without any fractional part.
Example: An integer is often used to count items, such as the number of users in a system.
en: entier
https://www.examples.com/maths/integers.html
kernel
noun
The most basic level or core of an operating system of a computer, responsible for resource allocation, file management, and security.
Example: The Linux kernel manages the computer's hardware.
en: noyau
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Adobe-Icon_Code_KERNEL.png
loop
noun
A structure, series, or process, the end of which is connected to the beginning.
Example: The software crashed because it was stuck in an infinite loop.
en: boucle
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/81/Adobe-Icon_Code_KERNEL.png
malware
noun
Software that is specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system.
Example: Installing reputable antivirus software is the best way to protect your device from malware.
en: logiciels malveillants
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Malware_statics_2011-03-16-en.svg
programming
noun
The process or activity of writing computer programs.
Example: The programming team developed a new app for the company.
en: programmation
https://www.zdnet.com/education/computers-tech/easiest-programming-languages-to-learn/
python
noun
A high-level general-purpose programming language.
Example: I decided to learn Python because its simple syntax makes it great for beginners.
en: python
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Python-logo-notext.svg
software
noun
The programs and other operating information used by a computer.
Example: The company develops educational software for schools.
en: logiciel
https://www.coderus.com/software-101-a-complete-guide-to-the-different-types-of-software/
syntax
noun
The set of rules defining the structure of a programming language.
Example: Proper syntax in computer programming is required for the code to run correctly.
en: syntaxe
https://thelearningprogrammer.com/learning-how-to-program-creating-syntax-template-chunks/
URL
noun
The address of a web page.
Example: The travel company recently changed its URL.
en: URL
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:URL_structure.jpg
variable
noun
A named storage location in a program that holds a value which can change during program execution.
Example: The variable stores the user’s age and can be updated at any time.
en: variable
https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/v/variable.htm
website
noun
A set of related web pages located under a single domain name, typically produced by a single person or organization.
Example: The company's official website offers a full product catalog.
en: site web
Hatijah, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons