Programming Glossary

Programming Glossary
Photo by James Harrison / Unsplash

Here is a glossary of some common programming terms:

  • Algorithm: A set of instructions that a computer program follows to solve a specific problem.
  • API (Application Programming Interface): A set of protocols and tools for building software applications.
  • Array: A data structure that stores a collection of elements, which can be of the same or different data types.
  • Binary: A number system that uses only two digits (0 and 1) to represent values.
  • Bug: An error in a program that prevents it from functioning correctly.
  • Class: A blueprint or template for creating objects in object-oriented programming.
  • Compiler: A program that translates source code into machine code that can be executed by a computer.
  • Debugging: The process of finding and fixing errors in a program.
  • Function: A self-contained block of code that performs a specific task.
  • GUI (Graphical User Interface): A user interface that uses graphics to represent information and actions.
  • IDE (Integrated Development Environment): A software application that provides a comprehensive development environment for programmers.
  • Inheritance: The mechanism by which a subclass can inherit properties and methods from a superclass in object-oriented programming.
  • Loop: A programming construct that allows a set of instructions to be repeated until a condition is met.
  • Object: An instance of a class that contains data and behavior.
  • Operator: A symbol or keyword that performs a specific operation on one or more operands.
  • Polymorphism: The ability of an object to take on many forms in object-oriented programming.
  • Recursion: A function that calls itself, either directly or indirectly.
  • Syntax: The set of rules that dictate how to write valid statements in a programming language.
  • Variable: A named storage location in memory that holds a value of a specific data type.
  • Version Control: The practice of tracking and managing changes to source code over time.