Appendix A. Glossary
An internal method that computers use to represent negative values.
The positive representation of a positive number, zero, or a negative number.
The name given to an object’s details that are hidden from the view or use of other parts of the program that use the object.
A variable that is updated as a program executes.
Prewritten objects that work as controls that you can embed in a web page.
Asynchronous JavaScript and XML. JavaScript’s capability to communicate with a web server without submitting a form or loading a page.
A common procedure or step-by-step methodology for performing a specific task and producing desired results.
A tag that creates a link to another web page location.
The movement of graphic images on your screen.
A set of prewritten routines, which often interact with the operating system, that your programs can call. API is the acronym for application programming interface.
A small program that travels with a web page and executes on the end user’s computer to add interaction to a web page.
A program with which you can view an applet without the use of a Web browser.
A program.
A Visual Basic wizard that generates an initial application according to your specifications.
A value passed to a function. Sometimes called a parameter, although technically one passes arguments to a function and receives parameters in a function.
arithmetic assignment operators
Operators that update the values stored in variables.
A list of variables that have the same name and data type.
An individual variable from an array.
Items sorted from a low value to a high value.
American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A system that assigns a unique character to the numbers 0 through 256.
A language just above the machine language level that assigns codes to machine language instructions to help people read machine language listings a little easier.
An entry-level programming position. Also called a Junior Programmer or Programmer I.
The speed and efficiency of an online connection.
One of the early programming languages written for introductory programmers. BASIC stands for Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code.
The process of testing a program before you release the program to the end user.
An on or off state of a computer switch often represented by a 1 (for on) or a 0 (for off).
A search that continually splits a sorted list in the middle until a value is located.
A binary value, the smallest data value that a computer can represent.
A section of code grouped together by braces that sets apart a section of code in a smaller area than a full procedure. A procedure might contain several blocks of code.
A data type that accepts only a true or false value.
A system design that looks at a system’s details first and gradually completes the rest of the system, interlocking the details toward the end.
Transferring control from one program location to another.
Locations designated during the debugging of a program where the program’s execution will halt temporarily.
A type of sort that swaps values throughout the sorting process where the low values slowly rise to the top of the sorted list.
Program errors.
The routines that come with a programming language or its associated libraries that perform simple tasks.
A single character of memory, containing a total of 8 bits that represent any of 256 different possibilities.
The language that Java programs compile into and that requires a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) emulator to run. If Java compiled into machine language, the virtual machine would not be needed, but the bytecode allows Java to run on any computer as long as that computer has a JVM.
An efficient, small language that uses a large number of operators, originally designed for writing operating systems.
An OOP-based version of the C programming language.
Microsoft’s competing language to Java, supported in the .NET environment.
A list of all functions executed so far in a program, used during the debugging of a program.
Calling a function and passing only the value of the arguments and not passing the actual arguments themselves.
See CSS.
An extensive set of programming tools and methods that was to take the user from the design stage to the finished application stage, eventually without the need of a programmer. CASE is an acronym for Computer-Aided Software Engineering.
A computing environment where one large computer system is the repository of information and programs that users across the network or online connection can use.
A means of specifying that a computer worker has a certain skill level.
A programming language that provides interaction between a web page user and the web page server. CGI stands for common gateway interface.
See string.
A function that processes character string data.
A method where a corporation pays for computer services by transferring department funds directly to the computer department.
Small, square boxes that provide one or more choices for users. The user clicks a box to indicate a choice, thereby placing an X in the box. Another click removes the X to deselect the choice.
A description of an object and its properties.
The computer that views a web page.
An environment where users on networked computers run programs sent to them (or served to them) by a server computer.
Common Language Runtime. A virtual machine for the .NET environment where compilers will be able to produce programs that run on any computer that supports the CLR standard.
The instructions inside a program.
A Visual Basic file that contains only Visual Basic programming language instructions and no graphic elements.
The ability to detect when one graphic image overlaps another in some way.
A standardized list of objects found in a computer’s hardware and software, such as the screen, that COM-compatible languages can reference by name. COM is an acronym for Common Object Model.
See remarks.
See CLR.
A program that converts source code into machine language.
To combine one data value to another.
Operators that compare one value to another, also called relational operators.
A programming language’s way of performing a certain kind of task.
Methods that initialize a new object.
A programmer who works temporarily for a company for a fixed charge or rate.
An element with which you control the operating of a Windows program, such as a command button or text box.
Characters used in C I/O functions such as printf() that format output.
Measurements that represent the number of pixels from the left edge (the x-coordinate) and the top edge (the y-coordinate) of a screen or window.
A variable that tracks how many times a process has occurred.
A stylesheet language that enables you to create named styles that define the way part of your web page looks, such as a headline area. CSS is an acronym for cascading style sheets.
Facts and figures used in computer programs.
A person who works in the Data Entry Department.
The department in a large organization that enters data into the computer.
The ability of an object to hide its members from other parts of a program to protect those members from accidental change.
See member.
The act of turning raw data into meaningful output, generally associated with computers.
The process of removing the bugs from a computer program.
A diamond on a flowchart that represents a decision being made in the logic.
Subtracting from a value.
A value that appears or that is assumed if the user does not change the value.
Text that appears inside a text box that the user can keep or change.
A language feature phased out of newer versions of the language, but still supported in order to ensure support of legacy code.
Items sorted from a high value to a low value.
The process of checking all paths of a computer program to test the program’s accuracy.
Methods that erase a new object and free the memory that was used.
A representation of a device, to which Windows writes, that might represent your screen, a window, or a printer.
Reserve storage for elements in an array.
A computing environment where computers are not close together but work together across a network or through an online connection.
See DOM.
See DTD.
A classification that assigns names to elements on a web page and to the browser’s controls. DOM is an acronym for document object model.
See data processing.
A set of XML definitions and what each represents. DTD is an acronym for document type definition.
HTML that supports the use of JavaScript and other special effects.
Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code. A character representation, similar to ASCII, used on mainframe computers.
A text processor programmers use to type program instructions and save those instructions in a source code file.
The legal ability to agree to documents online as though you had physically signed the documents in person.
A string that contains no characters.
See user.
A character literal that represents another character or that performs an action such as a newline character.
A Java-enabled program applet embedded in a web page.
A style of displaying data in a tree structure similar to the way Windows Explorer displays a disk’s folder structure.
C++ operator, >>, that fills a variable with input.
A place where a user can enter data, such as a text box on a form.
A class that contains absolutely no code that an inherited class can use.
A number that includes a decimal point and an optional fractional portion.
A pictorial representation of the flow of logic.
A plastic outline of common flowchart symbols that helps you draw better-looking flowcharts.
A Java development system that contains an editor and a compiler.
You can start program instructions in any column and place blank lines throughout the code.
A class that makes its members and methods available to any inheriting object.
A routine that processes data inside a program.
A variable that is available to all routines inside a program.
graphical user interface (GUI)
An operating environment, such as Windows, where objects and controls appear on the screen graphically.
A region on your screen, appearing inside a window, where graphics may appear.
A pointer to a device that Windows can access.
See links.
A Microsoft-based free, online email service.
The formatting and hyperlinking language that forms Web pages. HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language.
See links.
Acronym for input and output.
Adding to a value.
Usable, processed data, typically output from a computer program.
The ability of one data object to gain characteristics from another object.
The data that goes into a computer program. The source of the data might be a keyboard, disk file, or online connection.
The checking of a user’s input for validity.
A C++ operator, <<, that outputs a value from a variable to an output stream such as the screen.
A set of specifications that determines how an application is to be installed on a computer.
A whole number.
The cycle that repeats inside a loop.
Sun Microsystem’s competition to Microsoft’s .NET initiative. J2EE is an acronym for Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition.
An object-oriented programming (OOP) language used in web applets and standalone applications.
A computer-within-a-computer that interprets Java code into machine-executable language.
A scripting language that enables users to place active elements such as menus and rollover buttons on a web page.
A named location in a program that one can branch to.
See local area network.
Blank spaces that appear before character data to pad the data value with extra positions.
Locations found inside HTML-based documents, such as web pages, that trigger an action, such as the display of a different web page, when the user clicks the link. Also called hypertext links and hot spots.
Fixed data that does not change.
A small network that links two or more computers together within a short distance of each other.
A variable available only to the block or routine in which it’s declared.
An error in the logic used in a program. Often, a program continues running because logic errors, unlike syntax errors, do not cause the program to quit.
An operator that tests whether a statement is true or false.
Program instructions that are repeated during a program’s execution.
The process of repeating statements in a program.
Compiled, computer-readable instructions that are compacted into nonhuman terms that only the computer can understand.
Large computers used by organizations to handle many hundreds of users and to house much online and offline storage.
The ease of maintenance that a program’s author puts into the program by writing clear code.
The process of changing and updating a program’s code with new features and bug fixes.
See multiple document interface.
An object’s data value.
An object’s functions.
A command that acts upon a specific object.
Special HTML code placed inside web pages that the user does not see but that search engines can locate to link to the site.
Procedures embedded in an object.
A term used primarily in the 1970s to describe the projected, central, repository of data that organizations thought would transpire. Distributed computing, thanks primarily to the proliferation of the PC, all but destroyed the MIS concept. MIS is an acronym for Management Information System.
Microsoft’s instant chat service whereby two or more users can type real-time messages to each other over a network or online connection.
multiple document interface (MDI)
An application scheme whereby more than one window with data can be open at the same time.
Microsoft’s architecture for defining the way that information and programs interact in an online world.
The overall environment of the .NET system.
A carriage return and line feed combination that effectively moves the cursor to the start of the next line on a screen or printer.
Characters that cause an action, such as a line feed or a computer beep, but that do not display on a printer or screen.
A value that represents nothing when stored in a variable to indicate that the variable has not yet been initialized.
See empty string.
An active data value that has characteristics and properties.
The process of designing a computer application that utilizes OOP concepts in the design to show active objects that are to be developed.
object-oriented programming (OOP)
Programming that utilizes objects and supports inheritance and data hiding.
Acronym for object-oriented design.
Acronym for object-oriented programming.
Programs that are distributed with their source code along with the executable files. Users are encouraged to alter the code and improve the program, as long as they share their code changes with the community.
A symbol or word, such as a plus sign, that manipulates numbers or strings in some way.
The ability to give an operator different meanings, depending on what the operator is working with at the time.
The order in which a language executes multiple operators that appear in the same expression.
Small, round buttons that provide mutually exclusive choices for users. When the user clicks a circle to indicate a choice, a dot is placed in the circle. If a dot was already placed in another choice, that other dot is removed. Also called radio buttons.
The information produced from a program and sent to the printer, screen, an online connection, or a disk file.
The specification of all of a program’s output.
A method of paying for a company’s computer services through a general company overhead expense account instead of each department transferring department funds to the computer department as is the case with the chargeback method.
The ability to write multiple abilities for the same function or operator.
A value received by a function. Sometimes called an argument, although technically one passes arguments to a function and receives parameters in a function.
Testing a new program, or a new version of a program, while still using the old system to verify results.
The amount of time it takes, in years, for a person to complete a computer program.
Users loosely connected through online connections that enable them to share data and programs.
A server-side scripting language. Acronym for PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor
See pixel.
A dot on the screen that represents the smallest area you can draw. From the words picture element.
Literally, from the Greek for many forms, and refers to the ability of different objects to respond differently to the same commands.
The ability of a language or program to work across a wide range of computer hardware.
A class that hides its members and methods available from all parts of the program.
A key that deciphers an encrypted code known only to the sending and receiving party.
A command that the compiler performs before the compiler compiles the source code into machine language.
Routines, such as subroutines and functions you write, that perform a task within a program.
A software-based tool that analyzes a program and determines if inefficiencies exist.
A collection of files that comprise a Windows application.
Detailed instructions that tell the computer what to do.
See editor.
A person who authors computer programs.
An advanced programmer who begins to learn to design systems as well as programs. Also called a senior programmer.
The way in which two computers transfer data between each other.
A model.
A representation of what a program’s screen will look like.
A written description of the flow of program logic. Sometimes called structured English.
A class that makes its members and methods available to any part of the program that declares objects of that class.
A key that deciphers an encrypted code available to anyone who might be viewing a website.
See rapid application development.
See option buttons.
The distance from the center to the edge of a circle.
rapid application development (RAD)
A software development methodology that is designed to enable programmers to design and build a complete application quickly.
An operator that compares data values.
Comments placed inside a program’s source code to provide information to other programmers. Also called comments.
The density of dots on your screen; the higher the resolution, the better your screen graphics and text will look.
A programming tool that helps a programmer build and test Windows resources such as icons, menus, dialog boxes, or text strings.
The ability of an object to be used by several procedures and even separate programs without recoding.
The ability of a command button or other screen element to change shape, size, or color when the user points to the item with the mouse.
An error that occurs during the execution of a program.
A JavaScript program.
Making a decision in logic.
A programmer who has passed the entry-level stage by maintaining programs, writing new routines, and who has shown an understanding of programming concepts needed.
The execution of a program, one statement after another.
Looking through a list of items one value at a time.
The computer that sends a web page to a client computer.
An application scheme whereby only one window with data can be open at any one time.
The process of executing one line of a program at a time, slowly, to see the results of each statement.
An electronic statement that your web browser sometimes checks to ensure that a web page is secure.
An Internet and communications protocol that defines the way computers talk to each other and share information. SOAP is an acronym for Simple Object Access Protocol.
Programs that run on computers.
The right to run a program.
The program instructions that a programmer writes.
An unstructured program that branches often, back and forth, in an unclear, difficult-to-follow manner.
Animation that you can program to make objects move and respond when collision detection occurs.
Instructions inside a computer program.
Onscreen text that the user cannot change.
A flow of data, usually input or output, to or from a C or C-based language’s program.
Textual data that you cannot calculate with.
See pseudocode.
A system of writing computer programs so they are clear, easy to follow, and simple to maintain.
A team review of a programmer’s work.
A section of code that you can call from another part of code one or more times.
A numbered value that represents an array element.
A Java add-on that most modern Java compilers support that provides Windows-like controls for Java applets and applications.
The grammar rules of a programming language.
An error in the spelling or grammar of a computer language.
The process of creating a complete computer application from its early design stages to a finished product.
An employee who designs systems that will be computerized.
HTML commands, surrounded by angled brackets < and >, that determine how a web page is formatted. Also called tag references.
The communications protocol used by the Internet.
A variable that you store a value in for a short time.
An operator that has three parts, a conditional test and two possible values. The operator returns one of two values depending on whether the conditional is true.
A system design that looks at the overall picture first and gradually refines the details.
A screen measurement that equals approximately 1/20th of a point of type, typically used as the smallest addressable screen measurement for placement of text and graphics.
Specifies a uniform method for defining the requirements of a program. UML is an acronym for Unified Modeling Language.
The person who uses the programs that programmers write.
Functions that you write as opposed to built-in functions supplied by a programming language.
A named storage location for data in a program.
Microsoft’s scripting language that’s similar in function to JavaScript.
Tracks and maintains version numbers of programs so an organization can keep track of which programs are in use and which should be discarded.
An imaginary computer that runs compiled Java programs. Your computer or web browser must emulate a virtual machine to run a Java applet or application.
A development system that enables you to use a BASIC-like language to create Windows applications.
Extensible Markup Language. A language that works inside HTML and that is similar in form to HTML whereby the user can create unique tag elements that describe data on the web page.
See wide area network.
Variables whose values appear in a window during the debugging of a computer program.
A set of defined standards for creating forms on .NET-based web pages and applications.
Extra blank lines and spaces inside programs to make the code more readable.
Two or more computers networked together over a long distance, often through fiber or satellite communications.
The general name for operating systems based on a 32-bit memory location such as Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, and Windows XP.
A step-by-step routine that walks you through a process such as the creation of a program.